atonement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "atonement" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts related to making amends or reparation for a wrongdoing or sin. Example: "He sought atonement for his past mistakes by volunteering in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He continued: "As Jews we have a tradition of atonement, it is a rich and noble concept.

The Guardian

The diary exudes confession under compulsion – of imminent death, the fear of retribution in the afterlife, perhaps – but there is nothing of genuine atonement in it.

The Guardian

But I am a product of my background and for me I understand atonement as a person's effort to acquire a new heart and a new spirit.

The Guardian

But Reichental, who lives in Dublin, told the Guardian this week that he took part in the Irish documentary directed by Gerry Gregg principally to seek out some sign of atonement from Michnia.

The Guardian

The finance minister and his deputy promised to return 20% of one month's salary to take the blame a classic Japanese symbol of official atonement.

The Economist

True, he went back to prison for a year in 1983, as atonement, it seems, for making what for the times were obscene amounts of money.Yet, in the money-crazy atmosphere a decade later, Mr Mou, who bears a striking resemblance to Mao Zedong, was being hailed by the Chinese government as China's richest entrepreneur, a symbol of all that was possible in the Brave New China.

The Economist

To the Orthodox, the pope was making a welcome act of atonement for the misdeeds of 1204 by handing over the bones of two eastern saints that were removed by marauding western Christians.

The Economist

The police routinely restrict access to defence lawyers during the holding period, while taking the opportunity to question suspects frequently.The police and prosecutors, and many judges, argue that the point of this system is to foster rehabilitation and atonement, by encouraging criminals to admit the truth.

The Economist

Most of the running costs of Jewish synagogues, schools, cemeteries, libraries, hospitals and nursing homes are met by the German state as an atonement for the past.

The Economist

In a show of atonement, it cut the top brass's pay by 40% and workers' by as much as 25%.

The Economist

The West did not react to the wall with escalation, but held firm for 28 years until it prevailed: that was the only way forward now, she suggested.For all the new activism, German foreign policy still has distinctive features, mostly legacies of a culture of atonement.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "atonement", ensure the context clearly indicates what the wrong was and what actions are being taken to make amends. This provides clarity and strengthens the message.

Common error

Avoid using "atonement" interchangeably with a simple apology. "Atonement" implies a more significant effort to repair harm, while an apology is merely an expression of regret.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "atonement" is as a noun. It refers to the act of making amends or reparation for a wrong or sin. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correctly and widely used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "atonement" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term that describes the act of making amends for a wrong. As Ludwig AI points out, it's correctly used in a wide range of contexts, from news and media to science and business. While simpler terms like "apology" exist, "atonement" implies a deeper commitment to repairing harm. When writing, use "atonement" to convey a sense of serious effort to rectify wrongdoing, ensuring the context clarifies the wrong and the actions taken to make amends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expiation

Similar to "atonement", but often used in a more formal or religious context.

making amends

Focuses on the act of repairing a relationship or situation after wrongdoing.

reparation

Stresses the act of making amends for a wrong.

seeking redemption

Emphasizes the desire to be saved from sin or error.

penance

Implies a self-imposed punishment to show remorse.

expiating sins

Highlights the act of removing guilt through some form of sacrifice or suffering.

making restitution

Highlights the act of restoring something lost or damaged.

propitiation

Focuses on appeasing a deity or someone who has been wronged.

offering reconciliation

Emphasizes the attempt to restore friendly relations.

redressing grievances

Focuses on correcting perceived injustices.

FAQs

How to use "atonement" in a sentence?

You can use "atonement" to describe the act of making amends for a wrong, such as: "He sought "atonement" for his past actions through community service."

What can I say instead of "atonement"?

You can use alternatives like "reparation", "redemption", or "expiation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "atonement" or "apology"?

"Atonement" and "apology" are different. An apology is simply expressing regret, while "atonement" involves actions to repair the harm caused.

What's the difference between "atonement" and "reconciliation"?

"Atonement" focuses on making amends for a wrong, while "reconciliation" emphasizes restoring a friendly relationship.