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Atoning: meaning, definitions and examples

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atoning

 

[ əˈtoʊ.nɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

moral reconciliation

Atoning refers to the act of making amends or reparation for wrongdoing or injury. It often encompasses a sense of moral responsibility, where an individual seeks to correct past mistakes or actions that caused harm or offense. Atonement can take various forms, such as apologizing, performing charitable acts, or engaging in self-reflection to change one's behavior. This term is commonly associated with religious practices, where individuals seek forgiveness and reconciliation with a higher power.

Synonyms

amends, compensation, expiation, redemption, reparation.

Examples of usage

  • She is atoning for her past mistakes.
  • He spent years atoning for his decision.
  • The community came together for atoning rituals.

Translations

Translations of the word "atoning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 expiando

🇮🇳 प्रायश्चित करना

🇩🇪 sühnen

🇮🇩 menebus

🇺🇦 спокутування

🇵🇱 zadośćuczynienie

🇯🇵 贖罪する

🇫🇷 expiation

🇪🇸 expiación

🇹🇷 telafi etme

🇰🇷 속죄하다

🇸🇦 تكفير

🇨🇿 smíření

🇸🇰 zmierenie

🇨🇳 赎罪

🇸🇮 odpuščanje

🇮🇸 bót

🇰🇿 кешірім алу

🇬🇪 განკურნება

🇦🇿 bəraət

🇲🇽 expiación

Etymology

The word 'atoning' derives from the Middle English term 'atone', which means to 'be in one' or 'reconcile'. It initially came from the phrase 'at one', expressing the idea of bringing unity, especially in the context of reconciliation with oneself or with others. This term was further influenced by Old English 'ætān', which means 'to bring together'. In religious contexts, atonement has been crucial in various cultures and traditions, particularly in Christianity, where it relates to the reconciliation between God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice. The concept has evolved over centuries to encompass secular meanings, signifying personal responsibility and the effort to mend one's wrongs, illustrating its deeply-rooted significance in both moral and spiritual dimensions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,554, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.