to aby
9.9
To show you are sorry and correct a wrong
- verb
- /əˈbi/
- Archaic
:
expiar
- He tried to aby his past wrongs by helping those in need.
Examples
-
Dear, shall you aby this riotous deed!
-
For, if thou dost intend never so little show of love to her, thou shalt aby it.
-
You must aby your mistakes if you wish to regain her trust.
-
To truly move forward, one must aby for their previous actions.
Synonyms
to make amends
vsto aby
55
3.4
To do something to fix a mistake and show you are sorry
is an archaic single-word form rather than a common modern phrase
to atone
vsto aby
26
6.2
Say or do something to show you are sorry and fix a wrong
is an archaic single word for that action rather than modern usage
1
9.5
To make up for a wrong by doing something good
is archaic and more general rather than focused on formal reparation
9.9
To make up for a wrong by doing something good
is the same meaning but spelled without the final letter
How Atoning
to expiate
1
9.5
- Formal
1
9.5
to atone
26
6.2
26
6.2
to aby
- Archaic
to make amends
55
3.4
55
3.4
to apologize
∞
1.7
- US
∞
1.7
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word aby is an old verb meaning 'to make amends' or 'to pay the penalty' for a wrong. A helpful way to remember it is to think of a- + buy: you 'buy' back your mistake by paying or doing something to set it right, so to aby is to atone for a wrongdoing.