atonement
UK[əˈtəʊnmənt]US[əˈtoʊnmənt]
n
The act of doing something to show you are sorry for having done something wrong.
n
(In Christian theology) The reconciliation of God and humankind through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
Morpheme Breakdown
atone
ment
atone
in harmony
ment
Etymology
The word 'atonement' has a transparently English origin, formed from the prepositional phrase "at one" with the addition of the noun suffix "-ment". The core idea is the process of making things "at one", or in a state of harmony. Originally used in the early 16th century to denote the condition of being reconciled and in agreement, it was heavily adopted by William Tyndale in his English Bible translation to convey the theological concept of reconciliation between God and humanity. Over time, its meaning broadened from this specific theological sense to the general secular meaning of making amends for a wrong.
Analysis
Structure: atone + ment
- atone: From the phrase "at one", meaning "in harmony". Origin: Middle English (from 'at' + 'one').
- ment: A noun-forming suffix indicating an action, process, or result. Origin: Latin via Old French.
Examples
He made a public apology as an act of atonement for his offensive remarks.
The Day of Atonement is the most solemn holy day in the Jewish calendar.
She volunteered at the shelter in a sincere effort at atonement.