Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having the power or purpose of making amends for wrongdoing; serving to atone for sin or guilt.
   • Offered as a means of expiation or propitiation.

Usage

The adjective expiatory is used to describe actions, rituals, or offerings intended to make reparation for a wrong, a sin, or an offense. It is a formal term often found in religious, moral, or legal contexts.

Examples

• The community performed an expiatory ritual to cleanse the village of the perceived curse.
• He made an expiatory donation to the charity, hoping it would make up for his past mistakes.
• In some traditions, an expiatory sacrifice is offered to appease divine wrath.

Advanced Usage

• Expiatory act: A specific deed undertaken to atone for a transgression.
  • His public apology was seen as an expiatory act to regain the public's trust.
• Expiatory function: The role something serves in providing atonement.
  • The punishment had an expiatory function, aiming to restore moral balance.

Variants and Related Words

• Expiate (verb): To make amends or reparation for guilt or wrongdoing.
  • He sought to expiate his sins through prayer and good deeds.
• Expiation (noun): The act of making amends or reparation for guilt or sin; atonement.
  • The ceremony was an act of expiation for the community's failures.

Synonyms

• Propitiatory: Intended to win or regain the favor of a god, spirit, or person.
• Atoning: Making amends for a wrong or injury.
• Penitential: Relating to or expressing penitence or penance.

Antonyms

• Offensive: Causing someone to feel deeply hurt, upset, or angry.
• Aggravating: Making a problem or offense worse or more serious.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Expiatory offering: A sacrifice or gift made for the purpose of atonement.
  • The ancient priests presented an expiatory offering on the altar.
• Expiatory justice: A concept in some legal or philosophical systems where punishment serves to atone for the crime.
  • The theory of expiatory justice differs from purely deterrent models.

Adjective

1. having power to atone for or offered by way of expiation or propitiation
   • expiatory (or propitiatory) sacrifice