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Atonement: meaning, definitions and examples

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atonement

 

[əˈtəʊnmənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious

The act of making amends or reparation for a sin or wrongdoing; atonement is often associated with seeking forgiveness from a higher power.

Synonyms

penance, redemption, reparation.

Examples of usage

  • Through acts of charity and prayer, she sought atonement for her past mistakes.
  • He believed that only through sincere atonement could he find peace within himself.
Context #2 | Noun

literary

A theme in literature where characters seek to make amends for past wrongs or sins, often through sacrifice or reconciliation.

Synonyms

amendment, reconciliation, repentance.

Examples of usage

  • The novel explores the concept of atonement and the impact of guilt on the characters.
  • The protagonist's journey towards atonement is a central focus of the story.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from combining 'at' and 'one' to express the idea of being one with someone again after a divide.
  • Originally used in religious contexts, atonement referred to reconciliation between God and humans.

Religion

  • In Christianity, atonement typically refers to the reconciliation between God and humans through the sacrifice of Jesus.
  • In Judaism, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a time for reflection and seeking forgiveness for one's sins.

Literature

  • The concept of atonement is central in literary works, such as Ian McEwan's novel 'Atonement', which explores themes of guilt and redemption.
  • In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', the protagonist grapples with the need to atone for his father's murder, highlighting the moral complexities of guilt.

Psychology

  • Research shows that making amends can enhance emotional well-being, providing closure and reducing guilt.
  • The process of atonement often involves personal accountability, which is key in healing relationships.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often explore atonement; examples include 'The Shawshank Redemption', where characters seek redemption for their past actions.
  • In video games, players often experience atonement as they navigate through challenges linked to past mistakes in the storyline.

Translations

Translations of the word "atonement" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expiação

🇮🇳 प्रायश्चित

🇩🇪 Sühne

🇮🇩 penebusan

🇺🇦 спокута

🇵🇱 zadośćuczynienie

🇯🇵 償い (tsugunai)

🇫🇷 expiation

🇪🇸 expiación

🇹🇷 keffaret

🇰🇷 속죄 (sokjoe)

🇸🇦 تكفير

🇨🇿 pokání

🇸🇰 pokánie

🇨🇳 赎罪 (shúzuì)

🇸🇮 pokora

🇮🇸 fórnfærsla

🇰🇿 кешірім

🇬🇪 მონანიება

🇦🇿 kəffarə

🇲🇽 expiación

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,774, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.