What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
amends
Example
He made amends for his mistake by apologizing and offering to fix the damage. [amends: noun]
Example
She tried to make amends with her friend after their argument. [make amends: verb phrase]
atonement
Example
The priest advised him to seek atonement for his sins through prayer and good deeds. [atonement: noun]
Example
She felt a sense of atonement after confessing her mistakes and asking for forgiveness. [sense of atonement: noun phrase]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amends is more commonly used than atonement in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Atonement is more commonly used in religious or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between amends and atonement?
Both amends and atonement can be used in formal and informal contexts, but atonement may be considered more formal due to its religious connotation.
