Expatiatory is an adjective that is primarily used in religious or ceremonial contexts to describe something that is intended to make amends or obtain forgiveness for wrongdoing. The word is derived from the verb "expiate," which means to make amends or atone for a sin or wrongdoing.
In its dictionary definition, expatiatory means relating to or serving as an act of expiation. It refers to an action, ritual, or offering designed to appease divine wrath or seek forgiveness for sins or offenses committed by an individual or a community. It is often associated with religious practices, including sacrificial ceremonies, penances, or rituals performed in various cultures and faiths to seek reconciliation with a higher power.
Expatiatory can also be used in a broader sense metaphorically, to describe any effort made to make up for past mistakes or wrongdoings, even outside a religious or spiritual context. It implies a genuine desire for redemption, remorse, and the hope for forgiveness or reconciliation. In this sense, it extends to actions taken to repair relationships, correct past errors, or resolve conflicts, whether on a personal level or within a larger societal framework.
Overall, expatiatory reflects the intent to make right, seek forgiveness, or restore harmony in the aftermath of transgressions, whether through religious rituals or more metaphorical acts of contrition.
