extenuate
What does "extenuate" mean?
To "extenuate" means to make a wrongdoing, offense, or problem seem less serious or less blameworthy than it initially appears. The mental image is that of a heavy weight being lightened or thinned out; you are essentially "thinning" the severity of a situation by providing excuses or background context. It is almost exclusively used in formal, legal, or academic contexts, particularly in the phrase "extenuating circumstances." You would rarely use this in casual conversation; instead, you would use simpler phrases like "to make an excuse for" or "to downplay."
"extenuate" in a sentence
Nothing can extenuate his cruel behavior.
Nothing can extenuate his cruel behavior.
The judge considered the extenuating circumstances of the crime before passing the sentence.
The judge considered the extenuating circumstances of the crime before passing the sentence.
While poverty may extenuate the motive for theft, it does not absolve the individual of legal responsibility.
While poverty may extenuate the motive for theft, it does not absolve the individual of legal responsibility.
