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extenuate
[ ik-sten-yoo-eyt ]
verb (used with object)
- to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious:
to extenuate a crime.
- to serve to make (a fault, offense, etc.) seem less serious.
- to underestimate, underrate, or make light of:
Do not extenuate the difficulties we are in.
- Archaic.
- to make thin, lean, or emaciated.
- to reduce the consistency or density of.
extenuate
/ ɪkˈstɛnjʊˌeɪt /
verb
- to represent (an offence, a fault, etc) as being less serious than it appears, as by showing mitigating circumstances
- to cause to be or appear less serious; mitigate
- to underestimate or make light of
- archaic.
- to emaciate or weaken
- to dilute or thin out
Derived Forms
- exˈtenuatory, adjective
- exˈtenuˌator, noun
- exˌtenuˈation, noun
- exˈtenuˌating, adjective
Other Words From
- ex·tenu·ating adjective
- ex·tenu·ative adjective
- ex·tenu·ator noun
- nonex·tenu·ative adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of extenuate1
Word History and Origins
Origin of extenuate1
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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