extenuate (C1)
verb
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈstɛn.jʊ.eɪt/
Definition
To reduce the severity or seriousness of something, such as a fault or a crime, by giving a reason or excuse for it. This can be done to avoid blame or punishment, or to make something seem less bad than it really is.
Examples
The defendant's lawyer tried to extenuate the crime by arguing that the defendant was under a lot of stress at the time.
The company extenuated their poor sales figures by blaming the economic downturn.
She extenuated her late arrival by explaining that she had been stuck in traffic.
How to Use extenuate
- extenuate a fault (verb phrase)
- to reduce the severity of a fault or mistake — "The company tried to extenuate their fault by blaming it on a subcontractor."
- extenuate a crime (verb phrase)
- to reduce the severity of a crime or punishment — "The lawyer argued that the defendant's youth and lack of prior convictions should extenuate the crime."
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