atone
verb (used without object)
to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed byfor ).
was atoning
-
past progressiveof atone.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He was atoning for the sins of his youth by leading the life of a hermit by praying and cheating.
From The Book of the Bush Containing Many Truthful Sketches Of The Early Colonial Life Of Squatters, Whalers, Convicts, Diggers, And Others Who Left Their Native Land And Never Returned by J. Macfarlane
It was sufficiently evident that he felt more at ease, and perhaps he was atoning for former indifference as to the cause of his misery by a real and keen interest about it now.
From Bella Donna A Novel by Robert Smythe Hichens
To blot out the sin, as he did then, when he thought that he was atoning for his wrong by giving her money!
From The Awakening The Resurrection by Leo Tolstoy, Count
He had a vague notion that in this way he was atoning for the neglect of the greater obligation.
From Treasure Valley by Mary Esther Miller MacGregor
Hartmut was atoning now for his boyish folly.
From The Northern Light by E. Werner
