atone
Atone (verb) means to make amends for a wrongdoing or mistake. Example: “He spent years trying to atone for his youthful mistakes.”
How to use atone
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make up for something wrong you did, usually through actions rather than just words.
Word forms
atoned past tense, atones singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He spent years trying to _____ for his youthful mistakes.
Etymology
From Middle English atone, literally "at one" — to bring into agreement or unity, later coming to mean making amends.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for atone
See all rhymes for atone →Frequently asked questions
What does “atone” mean?
The word “atone” means to make amends for a wrongdoing or mistake. In plain terms, to make up for something wrong you did, usually through actions rather than just words.
How do you pronounce “atone”?
“Atone” is pronounced uh-TOHN (/əˈtoʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “atone” in a sentence?
Here is “atone” used in a sentence: “He spent years trying to atone for his youthful mistakes.”
What is another word for “atone”?
Words with a similar meaning to “atone” include abegge, abide, aby/abye, acquit, answer and answer for.
What part of speech is “atone”?
“Atone” is a verb.
Where does the word “atone” come from?
The word “atone” comes from Middle English. From Middle English atone, literally "at one" — to bring into agreement or unity, later coming to mean making amends.
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