Meaning & Definition of word "Extenuating"

Extenuating

/ɪkˈstɛnjʊeɪtɪŋ/

adjective:

  • 1. Servicing as a factor that lessens the seriousness or gravity of an offense.
    • Example: The judge considered the extenuating circumstances of the defendant's life before deciding on the sentence.
  • 2. Justifying or mitigating factors that reduce culpability.
    • Example: Her extenuating circumstances, such as her illness, made the committee reconsider their decision.
  • 3. Making an action or situation seem less serious or more forgivable.
    • Example: He claimed that there were extenuating factors that led him to miss the deadline.

Etymology

From Latin 'extenuare', meaning to make thin.

Common Phrases and Expressions

extenuating circumstances:

Factors that lessen the blame or seriousness of an action.

extenuating factors:

Conditions that provide justification for a person's actions.

Related Words

mitigate:

To make less severe or serious.

alleviate:

To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.

Slang Meanings of extenuating

Meaning: To cover up or make excuses for wrongdoing.

Example Sentence: He was just extenuating when he said he was late because of traffic.