Atoning

Atoning (adjective) describes the act of making amends or reparation for a wrong or an injury. It signifies seeking reconciliation and forgiveness by compensating for past misdeeds. This often involves showing remorse, taking responsibility, and attempting to restore balance or repair damage caused by the transgression. The process can encompass both personal actions, such as apologizing and making restitution, and external expressions like acts of service or penance, intended to mitigate the consequences of the action and achieve a state of expiation. It emphasizes the willingness to acknowledge fault and strive for a positive outcome through repair and seeking redemption, and in some cases, the regaining of one's standing within a group.

Atoning meaning with examples

• She spent years Atoning for the mistakes she made during her youth. Her community service, volunteering at a local charity and helping those less fortunate served to make amends and hopefully get forgiveness. She hoped her actions would help to earn back the trust of her friends and family whom she let down years before.
• The king sought to atone for his oppressive rule by establishing new laws that benefited his people. His efforts were to try and repair the injustice and corruption that had occurred under his reign. He hoped that the new policies and actions would improve his country and make it stronger.
• After causing a car accident, he was committed to Atoning for the incident. He tried making restitution and to make amends for the damage. He made sure all the victims of the accident got the help they needed and to the best of his ability get them on the path to recovery.
• The ritual was performed to atone for the sins of the community, a symbolic act designed to cleanse the land and promote unity and community. The ancient ceremonies and rites were supposed to wash away the past and create a sense of renewal and fresh start for all members.
• In the novel, the protagonist undergoes a series of challenges in order to atone for his betrayal. He had hurt others and to heal and make amends for his actions would require a significant change. It was by accepting this challenge that he could find some peace.