The word "atonement" is spelled /əˈtoʊnmənt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word is derived from the verb "atone," which originally meant "to reconcile or make reparation for a wrong." The "-ment" suffix is added to form a noun, indicating the act or process of making things right. The pronunciation of "atonement" includes two syllables, with the primary stress on the second syllable, and the vowel sound in the first syllable is pronounced as schwa.
Atonement is a noun that refers to the act of making amends for a wrongdoing or a mistake, typically through some type of reparation or reconciliation. It encompasses the idea of seeking forgiveness, acknowledging guilt, and attempting to rectify the harm caused. The concept of atonement often involves a personal or moral obligation to right the wrong, demonstrating remorse and taking responsibility for one's actions.
In religious contexts, atonement embodies the belief in the possibility of restoring a broken relationship between humanity and a higher power. It often involves an individual seeking divine forgiveness and reconciliation through acts of repentance, contrition, and sacrifice. Religious atonement is frequently associated with the idea of redemption and the offering of a price or sacrifice to rectify a moral imbalance or transgression.
Atonement can also extend beyond personal relationships, encompassing broader societal reconciliations. In this context, it refers to efforts to repair the damage caused by historical injustices, conflicts, or divisions. These attempts often involve actions such as public apologies, reparations, truth commissions, or symbolic gestures aimed at fostering healing, forgiveness, and unity within a community or nation.
Overall, atonement involves the process of seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration, whether on a personal, religious, or societal level. It suggests the recognition of wrongdoing, the desire to make amends, and the pursuit of a renewed harmony or balance.
Reconciliation after enmity; satisfaction; expiation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "atonement" derives from the Middle English term "at onement", meaning "reconciliation" or "agreement". In turn, "at onement" originated from the Old English phrase "æt ānemete", which can be broken down into "æt" meaning "at" or "in" and "ānemete" meaning "one mind" or "unity". Over time, "at onement" evolved into the modern term "atonement", which commonly refers to the act of making amends or reparation, especially in a religious or moral context.