Basic Details
Word: Atonement
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Making up for a mistake or wrong action; to repair a relationship by taking responsibility for one's actions.
Synonyms: Reparation, redemption, compensation
Antonyms: Offence, wrongdoing, transgression
Idioms and Phrases
- Make amends: To correct a mistake or to do something to show that you are sorry. Example: "He wrote a letter to make amends for his rude behaviour."
- Pay the piper: To accept the consequences of one's actions. Example: "After missing several days of work, he had to pay the piper and deal with the consequences."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After the argument, she sought atonement by apologising and offering to help her friend with a project.
Example 2: The villain in the story eventually finds atonement for his past deeds by saving the village.
Example 3: Many cultures have rituals of atonement that allow individuals to seek forgiveness for their wrongs.
Fun Fact
The word "atonement" comes from the older English phrase "at one ment," which means to be "at one" or reconciled with someone, signifying the idea of unity and harmony after a dispute or wrongdoing.
Famous Quote
"Atonement is the journey of coming home." - John Green
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "atonement" mean?
a) To celebrate an event
b) To make up for a mistake
c) To ignore a problem
d) To create a new project
Answer: b) To make up for a mistake
2. Which of these is a synonym of "atonement"?
a) Excuse
b) Reparation
c) Mistake
d) Fault
Answer: b) Reparation
3. What is an antonym of "atonement"?
a) Forgiveness
b) Offence
c) Amends
d) Compensation
Answer: b) Offence
4. Which sentence uses "atonement" correctly?
a) He danced joyfully to celebrate atonement.
b) After the mistake, she sought atonement through a heartfelt apology.
c) They were excited for the atonement of the school year.
d) The atonement was filled with exciting games.
Answer: b) After the mistake, she sought atonement through a heartfelt apology.
5. Which idiom relates to the concept of atonement?
a) Make amends
b) Fly by the seat of your pants
c) Burn the midnight oil
d) Break the ice
Answer: a) Make amends
