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View synonyms for extenuate

extenuate

[ ik-sten-yoo-eyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·ten·u·at·ed, ex·ten·u·at·ing.
  1. to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious:

    to extenuate a crime.

  2. to serve to make (a fault, offense, etc.) seem less serious.
  3. to underestimate, underrate, or make light of:

    Do not extenuate the difficulties we are in.

  4. Archaic.
    1. to make thin, lean, or emaciated.
    2. to reduce the consistency or density of.


extenuate

/ ɪkˈstɛnjʊˌeɪt /

verb

  1. to represent (an offence, a fault, etc) as being less serious than it appears, as by showing mitigating circumstances
  2. to cause to be or appear less serious; mitigate
  3. to underestimate or make light of
  4. archaic.
    1. to emaciate or weaken
    2. to dilute or thin out
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • exˈtenuatory, adjective
  • exˈtenuˌator, noun
  • exˌtenuˈation, noun
  • exˈtenuˌating, adjective
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Other Words From

  • ex·tenu·ating adjective
  • ex·tenu·ative adjective
  • ex·tenu·ator noun
  • nonex·tenu·ative adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of extenuate1

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin extenuātus, past participle of extenuāre, equivalent to ex- ex- 1 + tenuāre “to make thin or small”; thin; -ate 1( def )
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Word History and Origins

Origin of extenuate1

C16: from Latin extenuāre to make thin, from tenuis thin, frail
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Example Sentences

He added that there were “extenuating circumstances” that he believed could factor into the case, but provided no details.

Kasten said the Dodgers and other teams try to accommodate fans with extenuating circumstances.

Additional time will be granted on a showing of “extenuating circumstances, including significant efforts to resettle,” the settlement reads.

Being drunk can be considered an extenuating factor by a court and lead to a shorter prison sentence.

And after his indictment, he reportedly has alleged that he was drunk as an extenuating circumstance.

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