at one
1 of 2phrase
: at harmony : in a state of agreement
atoned; atoning
: to make amends : to provide or serve as reparation or compensation for something bad or unwelcome
—usually + for
He wanted to atone for his sins.
But I think that he has within him a capacity for love, and an unselfishness, which almost atones for his dishonesty.—
Anthony Trollope
Anthony Trollope
Did you know?
Atone has its roots in the idea of reconciliation and harmony. It grew out of the Middle English phrase at on meaning “in harmony,” a phrase echoed in current expressions like “feeling at one with nature.” When atone joined modern English in the 16th century, it meant “to reconcile,” and suggested the restoration of a peaceful and harmonious state between people or groups. Today, atone specifically implies addressing the damage—or disharmony—caused by one’s own behavior.
Examples of at one in a Sentence
Verb
tried to atone for forgetting their anniversary by giving his wife a truly extravagant gift
Recent Examples on the Web
Eric Stephens, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
However, the actual volumes added have been smaller than advertised as some countries physically struggle to increase, and others atone for earlier overproduction.
—Grant Smith, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2026
Yet what elevates the show is its focus on gender relations and atoning for the sins of the past, adding layers of depth beyond its lurid plotting and somewhat ridiculousness.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Research tells us that New Year’s resolutions, a popular noncontractual commitment, began over 3,000 years ago in Babylonian culture and shortly after in other cultures as a way, in general, to atone for questionable practices and/or debt.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
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Verb
This should be more of a business trip for the youngster — though he could be motivated by wanting to atone for last season’s poor showing.
—Eric Stephens, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026
However, the actual volumes added have been smaller than advertised as some countries physically struggle to increase, and others atone for earlier overproduction.
—Grant Smith, Fortune, 4 Jan. 2026
Yet what elevates the show is its focus on gender relations and atoning for the sins of the past, adding layers of depth beyond its lurid plotting and somewhat ridiculousness.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Jan. 2026
Research tells us that New Year’s resolutions, a popular noncontractual commitment, began over 3,000 years ago in Babylonian culture and shortly after in other cultures as a way, in general, to atone for questionable practices and/or debt.
—Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for at one
Cite this Entry
“At one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/at%20one. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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