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What (who) is extenuate - definition
extenuate
v. a.
1.
Lessen, diminish, reduce in size or bulk.
2.
Palliate, mitigate, qualify, excuse, apologize for.
extenuate
[?k'st?nj?e?t, ?k-]
¦ verb [usu. as adjective extenuating] lessen the seriousness of (guilt or an offence) by reference to a mitigating factor.
Derivatives
extenuation noun
extenuatory -j??t(?)ri adjective
Origin
ME (in the sense 'make thin'): from L. extenuat-, extenuare 'make thin', based on tenuis 'thin'.
Extenuate
·adj Thin; slender.
II. Extenuate ·vt To lower or degrade; to detract from.
III. Extenuate ·vt To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness.
IV. Extenuate ·vi To become thinner; to make excuses; to advance palliating considerations.
V. Extenuate ·vt 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.
Examples of use of extenuate
1. The party could advance policies that extenuate the merits of a minimal state, based around social diversity, free enterprise and lower taxation.