extenuation

[ ik-sten-yoo-ey-shuhn ]

/ ɪkˌstɛn yuˈeɪ ʃən /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for extenuation on Thesaurus.com

noun

the act of extenuating.

the state of being extenuated.

something that extenuates; a partial excuse: The youth of the defendant served as an extenuation.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of extenuation

1375–1425; late Middle English extenuacioun<Latin extenuātiōn- (stem of extenuātiō). See extenuate, -ion

Words nearby extenuation

extent, extenuate, extenuating, extenuating circumstance, extenuating circumstances, extenuation, extenuatory, exterior, exterior angle, exteriority, exteriorize

How to use extenuation in a sentence

The other acknowledged the fact with some degree of reluctance, and explained, with many "buts" as an excuse in extenuation.
The Condition, Elevation, Emigration, and Destiny of the Colored People of the United States|Martin R. Delany
In such case the defendant was empowered to plead the facts in extenuation, and also to pay money into court by way of amends.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III.|E. Farr and E. H. Nolan
The object of this examination grinned a faint grin of extenuation.
From Place to Place|Irvin S. Cobb
But this does injustice to these marauders of the sea, who put in a plea of extenuation.
The Battle of New Orleans|Zachary F. Smith

Their delinquency, it is true, does not cancel hers, but it offers some slight degree of extenuation.
The Sheepfold and the Common, Vol. II (of 2)|Timothy East

extenuation

Origin of extenuation

Words nearby extenuation

Words related to extenuation

How to use extenuation in a sentence