atoned

Atoned is the past tense and past participle of the verb atone, meaning to make amends or reparations for a fault, sin, or wrongdoing. When someone has atoned, they have taken actions intended to restore balance, repair harm, or reconcile relationships. The term is commonly used in moral, religious, and social contexts to describe aprocess of contrition and corrective action.

Etymology and scope: The verb atone has deep historical roots in English and is linked to the idea of becoming one again or being reconciled. The related noun atonement denotes the act or result of making amends. In modern usage, atoned for or atonement can apply to personal behavior, collective responsibility, or institutional accountability, often with an emphasis on restitution or apology.

Usage: Atoned is typically followed by for, as in atone for one’s mistakes or atone for past actions. It can describe efforts to repair harm, restore trust, or satisfy moral or ethical obligations. While most uses are moral or religious in tone, the concept also appears in secular discussions of reconciliation and accountability.

Examples: After the scandal, the executive atoned for his deceit by returning the funds and resigning. She felt she had atoned for years of neglect by supporting the charity and volunteering. The phrase “atone for” is the standard construction, with the object specifying the wrong or harm addressed.

See also: atonement, repentance, reconciliation, restitution.