51Թ

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View synonyms for

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

/ ɪˈɛʊˌɪ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other 51Թ Forms

  • extenuating adjective
  • extenuative adjective
  • extenuator noun
  • nonextenuative adjective
  • ˈٱԳܲٴǰ adjective
  • ˈٱԳˌٴǰ noun
  • ˌٱԳˈپDz noun
  • ˈٱԳˌپԲ adjective
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of extenuate1

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin ٱԳٳܲ, past participle of ٱԳ, equivalent to ex- ex- 1 + ٱԳ “to make thin or small”; thin; -ate 1 ( def. )
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of extenuate1

C16: from Latin exٱԳ to make thin, from tenuis thin, frail
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

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

From

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

From

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

From

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

From

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