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

Derived Forms

• exˈtenuatory, adjective
• exˈtenuˌator, noun
• exˌtenuˈation, noun
• exˈtenuˌating, adjective

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

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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of extenuate¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Seattle Times