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expiate

verb

/ˈɛkspɪeɪt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of expiate

To atone for or make amends for one's sins, wrongdoings, or offenses, typically through a sincere act of penance, remorse, or restitution.
"He sought to expiate his guilt through acts of charity."

Detailed meaning of expiate

When someone seeks to expiate their actions, they are acknowledging their mistakes and taking deliberate steps to rectify them or gain forgiveness. Expiation often involves demonstrating a genuine sense of remorse or contrition, as well as engaging in actions aimed at repairing the harm caused by their deeds. This term is often associated with religious or moral contexts, where individuals aim to cleanse their souls or regain spiritual purity by expiating their transgressions. It underscores the idea of personal responsibility and the desire to correct moral or ethical lapses through conscious efforts to seek redemption and make things right.

Example sentences containing expiate

1. He sought to expiate sins through good deeds and kindness.
2. Can remorse alone truly expiate all past wrongs and mistakes?
3. She worked tirelessly to expiate her lingering guilt and regrets.
4. Expiation leads to inner peace, healing, and eventual forgiveness.
5. Seeking to expiate, he offered a heartfelt apology and amends.
6. Acts of kindness can help expiate deep feelings of remorse.

History and etymology of expiate

The verb 'expiate' has its roots in the Latin word 'expiare,' which means 'to atone' or 'to make amends.' This term is formed from the prefix 'ex-' (meaning 'out of' or 'completely') and 'piare' (related to 'pius,' meaning 'dutiful' or 'pious'). 'Expiate' denotes the act of atoning for one's sins, wrongdoings, or offenses, typically through a sincere act of penance, remorse, or restitution. It embodies the idea of seeking redemption and reconciliation with a higher power or with those who have been wronged. 'Expiate' reflects the profound human desire to rectify past mistakes and restore moral integrity, making it a key concept in discussions of ethics, religion, and personal growth.

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Further usage examples of expiate

1. Can the passage of time alone expiate the enduring pain of betrayal?
2. Does genuine contrition genuinely expiate and redeem all transgressions?
3. They aimed to expiate past errors through sincere acts of redemption.
4. The priest guided her to expiate sins through prayer, repentance, and penance.
5. Seeking to expiate, he dedicated himself to meaningful restitution.
6. True remorse can expiate even the gravest and most profound of wrongs.
7. Forgiveness is a powerful way to expiate and release long-held bitterness and resentment.
8. Seeking to expiate guilt, he fully embraced a life of selflessness and service.
9. Can love genuinely expiate and heal the deep wounds of the heart?
10. Expiation requires persistent and sincere efforts to make amends and seek forgiveness.
11. She earnestly hoped to expiate past actions through heartfelt repentance and change.
12. Seeking to expiate, he humbly begged for forgiveness and reconciliation.
13. Acts of kindness can help expiate lingering regrets and sorrow.
14. They aimed to expiate past mistakes through consistent selflessness and generosity.
15. Can the passage of time alone expiate the lasting scars and pain of betrayal?
16. The priest compassionately helped her expiate sins through confession and absolution.
17. Seeking to expiate, they earnestly offered meaningful restitution and reparations.
18. True contrition can expiate even the deepest and most profound of remorse.
19. Forgiveness is a powerful and transformative way to expiate old grievances and find inner peace.
20. She felt that her apology was insufficient to expiate her mistake.
21. He believed that serving time in prison would expiate his crime.
22. She felt that a pilgrimage to a holy site would expiate her sins.
23. He sought to expiate his guilt by confessing to the crime.
24. She believed that making amends would expiate her wrongs.
25. He felt that only by making restitution could he expiate his guilt.
26. The prisoner became a devout Christian to expiate for his sins.
27. She felt that a lifetime of good deeds was necessary to expiate her past mistakes.
28. He sought to expiate his guilt by dedicating his life to public service.
29. She felt that only by atoning for her actions could she expiate her guilt.
30. He believed that by doing good deeds he could expiate his past actions.
31. She felt that by making a sacrifice she could expiate her sins.