at one

1 of 2

phrase

: at harmony : in a state of agreement

atone

2 of 2

verb

ə-ˈtōn 

atoned; atoning

intransitive verb

: 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

transitive verb

1

: to make reparation or supply satisfaction for : expiate

—used in the passive voice with for

a crime that must be atoned for

2

obsolete : reconcile

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.

Synonyms of at one

Verb

• compensate
• make amends for
• redeem
• repay
• correct
• make good for
• expiate

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

Phrase

On the other side, Bedard at one point considered an even shorter deal to maximize his earning potential. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026

One thing that’s not clear is whether Midtown intends to demolish Sunset Place all at once or in phases — a possible approach floated at one point. — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026

Verb

Argentina triumphed on penalties in 1998, after David Beckham was sent off, and England won via a penalty in 2002, when Beckham went some way to atoning for what happened four years earlier by converting from the spot. — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026

Gray atoned with an RBI double in the fifth to break up Martin's shutout bid. — CBS News, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, to become reconciled, from at on in harmony, from at + on one

First Known Use

Phrase

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1574, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Rhymes for at one

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone

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Kids Definition

atone

verb

ə-ˈtōn 

atoned; atoning

: to do something to make up for a wrong that has been done