atonement (2009-06-16)

Part of Speech: noun

Pronunciation: [ê-'ton-mênt]

Definition: Originally, the reconciliation of Christians with God through the crucifixion of Christ, thus the underlying root "one". Once that root was lost to reanalysis (see Etymology), the noun assumed a new meaning: reparation for an offense.

Usage: There are many household uses for the lay meaning of this word: "How can I atone for leaving the kid at the gas station?" The noun may also be used to refer to the price of forgiveness: "I could accept a Beemer as atonement for smoking the cigars in the Volvo."

Suggested Usage: Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement because God told the Israelites through Moses to build a sanctuary for him at their destination so that he could dwell "at one" among them (Exodus 25:8). Elsewhere it is a term for occasions that unite people for any higher cause or in the new sense above.

Etymology: An early 16th century creation from at+one under the influence of Latin ad-una-mentum "unity". This is an example of reanalysis whereby at+one is (mis)perceived as a+tone, giving the current misleading pronunciation.