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
Mike Kaye
december 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Dec. 2025
At the other end, Brown was atoning for his early sloppiness by igniting the Celtics’ offense.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
After a wide-open John Metchie III dropped a pass that would've been a first down, Folk atoned for his earlier miss by making a 32-yarder to tie it again.
—CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025
The treaty was expanded in 1967 to apply universally, in part to atone for colonialism.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for at one
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Carolina will need Moehrig to atone for his San Francisco sin by smashing (legally) the Saints (3-10) on the road.
—Mike Kaye
december 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Dec. 2025
At the other end, Brown was atoning for his early sloppiness by igniting the Celtics’ offense.
—Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
After a wide-open John Metchie III dropped a pass that would've been a first down, Folk atoned for his earlier miss by making a 32-yarder to tie it again.
—CBS News, 30 Nov. 2025
The treaty was expanded in 1967 to apply universally, in part to atone for colonialism.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025
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 18 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share