Definitions and Examples of atoned, absolved, forgiven
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To make amends or reparation for a wrongdoing or injury.
Example
He atoned for his mistake by apologizing and offering to help fix the damage.
To declare someone free from guilt, responsibility, or blame.
Example
The judge absolved the defendant of all charges due to lack of evidence.
To stop feeling anger or resentment towards someone for a wrongdoing.
Example
After he apologized sincerely, she forgave him for his mistake.
Key Differences: atoned vs absolved vs forgiven
- 1Atoned implies making amends or reparation for a wrongdoing or injury.
- 2Absolved implies declaring someone free from guilt, responsibility, or blame.
- 3Forgiven implies stopping feeling anger or resentment towards someone for a wrongdoing.
Effective Usage of atoned, absolved, forgiven
- 1Legal Context: Use absolved in legal contexts to describe a verdict that declares someone free from guilt.
- 2Moral Context: Use atoned in moral contexts to describe someone making amends for a wrongdoing.
- 3Personal Context: Use forgiven in personal contexts to describe letting go of anger or resentment towards someone who has wronged you.
Remember this!
The antonyms of inexpiate have distinct nuances: atoned implies making amends, absolved implies declaring someone free from guilt, and forgiven implies letting go of anger or resentment. Use these words in legal, moral, and personal contexts to convey the appropriate meaning.