expiate
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “expiate” mean?
verb.to atone for (guilt or sin).
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts involving moral dilemmas, redemption, or themes of guilt and remorse. It emphasizes a proactive effort to make amends or seek forgiveness, highlighting the significance of accountability, which distinguishes it from similar words like "apologize," which may not carry the same weight of moral responsibility or deep personal reflection.
Common Confusions
Expiate implies a deliberate effort to make amends for wrongdoing, while atone usually suggests a more general act of seeking forgiveness without the same emphasis on proactive responsibility.
Do not choose expiate if the context emphasizes punishment or condemnation rather than atoning for guilt or sin.
Example Sentences
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He hoped that years of service would expiate his past crimes.
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He spent years trying to expiate for his mistakes.