Definition

Able to be forgiven or made right after a wrongdoing; something that can be atoned for.

Example

His actions were atonable, and he sought forgiveness from those he hurt.

Conversation

Do you think some mistakes are atonable?

Definitely, I believe most of them can be fixed with a sincere apology.

That's true, but what about the really big ones?

Even those can be atonable if the person is willing to make things right.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Atonable → It is formed from "a-" (meaning not) and "tonable" (from the root "tone" which comes from Latin "tonare", meaning to thunder or make a sound). The word "atonable" refers to something that cannot be made amends for or cannot be atoned.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('a-') being able to 'make amends' ('tonable') — that's why atonable means something that cannot be atoned.

Visually Confused Words