Expiate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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expiate
[ˈɛkspieɪt ]
Definition
make amends
To expiate means to atone for one's wrongdoing or to make reparations for an offense. This term often carries a moral or religious connotation, suggesting a need for redemption or purification of guilt. The act of expiation typically involves some form of sacrifice or penance that is intended to reconcile the individual with a higher authority or to restore balance in a moral sense. It is often used in legal or spiritual contexts to describe an effort to correct past mistakes.
Synonyms
atone, compensate, make amends, redeem.
Examples of usage
- He sought to expiate his mistakes by volunteering in the community.
- She felt the need to expiate her harsh words with a sincere apology.
- Many cultures have rituals designed to help individuals expiate their sins.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Religion
- Many religious traditions include rituals to expiate sins, like confession in Christianity or Yom Kippur in Judaism.
- In Buddhism, performing good deeds can expiate bad karma, showing the importance of actions in the cycle of life.
- Some Indigenous cultures conduct cleansing ceremonies to expiate wrongs, reflecting a deep connection to community and nature.
Psychology
- Expiation can be tied to the concept of guilt; people often feel a need to rectify their actions to alleviate this feeling.
- Forgiveness, whether self-directed or from others, plays a crucial role in the process of expiation.
- The process often involves acknowledging the wrongdoing, understanding its impact, and taking steps to correct it.
Literature
- In literature, characters often seek to expiate their wrongs, leading to themes of redemption and moral struggle.
- Famous works like 'Crime and Punishment' center around the protagonist's quest for expiation after committing murder.
- Expiation is often portrayed as a transformative process, revealing deeper truths about human nature and justice.
Pop Culture
- Films frequently explore the theme of expiation, with characters that confront their past mistakes and seek redemption.
- Popular songs often highlight the journeys of individuals seeking to expiate their wrongs through personal change.
- In video games, quests are often designed around the protagonist's need to expiate for their choices, reflecting player agency.
Origin of 'expiate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'expiāre', meaning 'to atone' or 'to make amends'.
- In Latin, 'pius' means 'pious' or 'devout', hinting at the connection between expiation and seeking forgiveness.
- The prefix 'ex-' signifies 'out of', combining to convey the idea of moving out of guilt or wrongdoing.
The word 'expiate' comes from the Latin 'expiatus', the past participle of 'expiāre', meaning 'to atone for' or 'to cleanse'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' or 'from', implying an act of removing or alleviating guilt or sin. The root 'piāre' is derived from 'pius', meaning 'pious' or 'devout', which reflects the religious undertones associated with the act of atoning. This term has evolved through languages, including Old French, before becoming part of the English lexicon in the 15th century. The moral implications of expiation tie closely to notions of guilt, justice, and the reconciliation of one's actions with societal or divine standards.