extenuating

[ ik-sten-yoo-ey-ting ]

adjective

1. serving to make a fault, offense, etc., appear less serious:

   The judge gave him a comparatively mild sentence due to extenuating circumstances.

Other Words From

• ex·tenu·ating·ly adverb
• nonex·tenu·ating adjective
• nonex·tenu·ating·ly adverb
• unex·tenu·ating adjective
• unex·tenu·ating·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of extenuating¹

First recorded in 1600–10; extenuat(e) + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Above all, she had true vision of Stephen Arnold, glorifying nowhere, extenuating nothing.

From Project Gutenberg

The inquiry naturally occurs, Are there no extenuating circumstances to be adduced on the part of the Japanese?

From Project Gutenberg

I will gladly hear any extenuating circumstances that you may give, for I am loth to believe that you are guilty of treachery.

From Project Gutenberg

Ralph attempted no apology, or excused himself by extenuating circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg

He alone can judge how far the cruelty of Mr. Elliot was the outcome of extenuating circumstances.

From Project Gutenberg