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Atonement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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atonement

[ษ™หˆtษ™สŠnmษ™nt ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'atonement'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'atonement' has its roots in Middle English, derived from the phrase 'at onement', meaning 'in harmony'. The concept of atonement has deep religious and literary significance, with the idea of seeking forgiveness and making amends being a central theme in many cultures and belief systems.

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.