atonement

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun compensation for a wrong
  2. noun the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity)

Etymology

Perhaps from atone + -ment as translation of Medieval Latin adūnāmentum; however, the noun is found earlier than the verb (atone); and in this light, the proper etymology is at + onement.

In classic literature

Synonyms

expiation, satisfaction

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