Definitions for: Extenuate


[v] lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of; "The circumstances extenuate the crime"



Webster (1913) Definition: Ex*ten"u*ate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Extenuated; p.
pr. & vb. n. Extenuating.] [L. extenuatus, p. p. of
extenuare to make thin, loosen, weaken; ex out + tenuare to
make thin, tenuis thin. See Tenuity.]
1. To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the
thickness.

His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence
it is again extenuated all the way to the tail.
--Grew.

2. To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of;
to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults,
ills, accusations, etc.; -- opposed to aggravate.

But fortune there extenuates the crime. --Dryden.

Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing
reality. --I. Taylor.

3. To lower or degrade; to detract from. [Obs.]

Who can extenuate thee? --Milton.

Syn: To palliate; to mitigate. See Palliate.


Ex*ten"u*ate, v. i.
To become thinner; to make excuses; to advance palliating
considerations. --Burke.


Ex*ten"u*ate, a. [L. extenuatus, p. p.]
Thin; slender. [Obs.] --Huloet.

Synonyms: mitigate, palliate

See Also: apologise, apologize, excuse, justify, rationalise, rationalize

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