What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
extenuate
Example
The defendant's lawyer tried to extenuate his client's actions by highlighting his difficult upbringing. [extenuate: verb]
Example
I'm not trying to extenuate my mistake, but I was under a lot of stress at the time. [extenuate: verb]
justify
Example
The company tried to justify its price increase by citing rising production costs. [justify: verb]
Example
I can justify my decision to quit my job because it was negatively affecting my mental health. [justify: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Justify is more commonly used than extenuate in everyday language. Justify is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while extenuate is less common and is typically used in legal or moral contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between extenuate and justify?
Both extenuate and justify can be used in formal contexts, but extenuate may have a more negative connotation and therefore may be less appropriate in certain formal situations.
