What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
atone
Example
He tried to atone for his mistake by apologizing and offering to help fix the damage. [atone: verb]
Example
She felt the need to atone for her past actions and decided to volunteer at a local charity. [atoning: gerund or present participle]
redeem
Example
He wanted to redeem himself after his poor performance by working harder and proving his abilities. [redeem: verb]
Example
The company managed to redeem its reputation by implementing new policies and improving customer service. [redeeming: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Redeem is more commonly used than atone in everyday language. Redeem is versatile and can be used in different contexts, such as personal, professional, or even financial situations. Atoning, on the other hand, is less common and is typically used in more specific contexts related to moral or ethical matters.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between atone and redeem?
Both atone and redeem can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, atone may have a slightly more serious or solemn connotation, while redeem can be employed in a wider range of formality levels, allowing it to be used in both casual and formal situations.
