Definitions
- Describing the act of making amends or paying for a wrongdoing. - Referring to the process of atoning for a sin or mistake. - Talking about the act of making reparations or seeking forgiveness for a transgression.
- Describing the act of making up for a mistake or wrongdoing. - Referring to the process of making amends or seeking forgiveness for a sin. - Talking about the act of reconciling with someone after causing harm or offense.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe the act of making up for a mistake or wrongdoing.
- 2Both words imply a sense of guilt or remorse.
- 3Both words involve seeking forgiveness or making amends.
- 4Both words can be used in religious or spiritual contexts.
- 5Both words suggest a desire to make things right.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Expiate emphasizes the act of paying for one's wrongdoing, while atone emphasizes the act of reconciling with the offended party.
- 2Usage: Expiate is less commonly used than atone in everyday language.
- 3Connotation: Expiate can have a more negative connotation, implying a need to make up for a serious offense. Atonement can have a more positive connotation, suggesting a willingness to reconcile and make things right.
- 4Religious context: Expiate is more commonly used in religious contexts, particularly in Christianity. Atonement is used in various religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Remember this!
Expiate and atone are synonyms that describe the act of making up for a mistake or wrongdoing. However, there are some differences between the two words. Expiate emphasizes the act of paying for one's wrongdoing, while atone emphasizes the act of reconciling with the offended party. Expiate is less commonly used than atone in everyday language and has a more negative connotation. Atonement is used in various religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
