extenuate

[ik-sten-yoo-eyt]

verb (used with object)

extenuated, extenuating 

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

Other Word Forms

• extenuating adjective
• extenuative adjective
• extenuator noun
• nonextenuative adjective
• extenuatory adjective
• extenuation noun

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

The mortgage agreement for the Arizona property required them to occupy the home as their “principal residence” for at least a year, barring “extenuating circumstances” or the lender allowing them to violate the stipulation.

From Salon

Swansea University students can access a carers passport to help facilitate reasonable adjustments and extenuating circumstances.

From BBC

After the public backlash, Taiwan announced additional exemptions for individuals with extenuating circumstances such as financial hardship, medical needs or safety concerns about traveling to China to search for records.

From Los Angeles Times

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