atone
verb (used without object)
to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender (usually followed byfor ).
were 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.
“You are not polite,” she said, with a glance at his stalwart person which might have indicated that there were atoning merits.
From The Grey Lady by Henry Seton Merriman
A curse seems to have fallen upon the land, as if this generation were atoning for the sins of the past.
From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 4, October, 1863 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various
But they were sincere and no doubt believed they were atoning for sins committed.
From Little Pills, An Army Story Being Some Experiences of a United States Army Medical Officer on the Frontier Nearly a Half Century Ago by Robert Henderson McKay
