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atone
[ uh-tohn ]
/ əˈtoʊn /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object), a·toned, a·ton·ing.
to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed by for): to atone for one's sins.
to make up, as for errors or deficiencies (usually followed by for): to atone for one's failings.
Obsolete. to become reconciled; agree.
verb (used with object), a·toned, a·ton·ing.
to make amends for; expiate: He atoned his sins.
Obsolete. to bring into unity, harmony, concord, etc.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Origin of atone
First recorded in 1545–55; back formation from atonement
OTHER WORDS FROM atone
Words nearby atone
Aton, atonal, atonalism, atonality, at once, atone, at one blow, at one fell swoop, atonement, at one's, at one's best
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use atone in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for atone
atone
/ (əˈtəʊn) /
verb
(intr foll by for) to make amends or reparation (for a crime, sin, etc)
(tr) to expiateto atone a guilt with repentance
obsolete to be in or bring into agreement
Derived forms of atone
atonable or atoneable, adjectiveatoner, nounWord Origin for atone
C16: back formation from atonement
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with atone
at one
In agreement, in harmony, as in John and Pat were at one on every subject except her cat, which made him sneeze, or Springtime always makes me feel at one with nature. [1300s]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.