Extenuate


[ik-sten-yoo-eyt] /ɪkˈstɛn yuˌeɪt/

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.

/ɪkˈstɛnjʊˌeɪt/
verb (transitive)
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)

v.

1520s, from Latin extenuatus, past participle of extenuare “lessen, make small, reduce, diminish,” from ex- “out” (see ex-) + tenuare “make thin,” from tenuis “thin” (see tenet). Related: Extenuated; extenuating. Extenuating circumstances attested from 1660s.

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    [ik-sten-yoo-eyt] /ɪkˈstɛn yuˌeɪt/ 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. /ɪkˈstɛnjʊˌeɪt/ verb […]

  • Extenuating

    [ik-sten-yoo-ey-ting] /ɪkˈstɛn yuˌeɪ tɪŋ/ adjective 1. serving to make a fault, offense, etc., appear less serious: The judge gave him a comparatively mild sentence due to extenuating circumstances. [ik-sten-yoo-eyt] /ɪkˈstɛn yuˌeɪt/ verb (used with object), extenuated, extenuating. 1. to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious: to extenuate a crime. 2. to serve to […]

  • Extenuation

    [ik-sten-yoo-ey-shuh n] /ɪkˌstɛn yuˈeɪ ʃən/ noun 1. the act of . 2. the state of being . 3. something that ; a partial excuse: The youth of the defendant served as an extenuation. n. early 15c., from Latin extenuationem (nominative extenuatio), noun of action from past participle stem of extenuare (see extenuate).

  • Extenuatory

    [ik-sten-yoo-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /ɪkˈstɛn yu əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/ adjective 1. tending to extenuate; characterized by extenuation; extenuating.

  • Exterior

    [ik-steer-ee-er] /ɪkˈstɪər i ər/ adjective 1. outer; being on the outer side: the exterior surface; exterior decorations. 2. intended or suitable for outdoor use: exterior paint. 3. situated or being outside; pertaining to or connected with what is outside: the exterior territories of a country. noun 4. the outer surface or part; outside. 5. outward […]


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