Atone Meaning in English

word

US

əˈtoʊn

uh-TONE

UK

ɐtˈəʊn

uh-TONE

Definition

To do something to show you are sorry for a wrongdoing or to make up for a mistake, often in a moral or religious sense.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and often used in religious or serious contexts. Common phrases: 'atone for a sin', 'atone for mistakes'. Not used for everyday minor apologies; it's about making a significant effort to correct a serious wrong.

• Spanish: expiar - reparar (una falta)
• Portuguese (BR): expiar - reparar (um erro)
• Portuguese (PT): expiar - reparar (uma falta)
• Chinese (Simplified): 赎罪 - 弥补（过错）
• Chinese (Traditional): 贖罪 - 彌補（過錯）
• Hindi: प्रायश्चित करना - संशोधन करना
• Arabic: يكفّر عن - يصلح (خطأ)
• Bengali: প্রায়শ্চিত্ত করা - শোধরানো
• Russian: искупать - загладить
• Japanese: 償う - 罪を償う
• Vietnamese: chuộc lỗi - đền tội
• Korean: 속죄하다 - 보상하다
• Turkish: günahını ödemek - telafi etmek
• Urdu: کفارہ دینا - تلافی کرنا
• Indonesian: menebus - membayar kesalahan

Example Sentences

He prayed to atone for his mistakes.

basic

She wanted to atone for lying to her friend.

basic

Many people try to atone for past wrongs through good deeds.

basic

Nothing he does can fully atone for what happened.

natural

He volunteered at the shelter to atone for his past behavior.

natural

She hopes that time will help her atone for her mistakes.

natural