atone
Translation
to make amends, to compensate, to expiate
Examples
He had to atone for his mistakes.
He had to make amends for his mistakes.
She tried to atone for her past sins.
She tried to make amends for her past sins.
Grammar Patterns
((for sth.)) to make amends for (sth.) He had to atone for his mistakes.
Similar Words
Synonyms: expiate, make amends, compensate
Etymology
From Middle English 'at on', meaning 'at one' or in harmony. It signifies becoming 'at one' again after a disagreement or wrongdoing.
Memory Tips
Think of the phrase 'at one'. To atone is to do something to become 'at one' again with someone you have wronged.