extenuating Definition
- 1(of a factor or situation) serving to lessen the seriousness of an offence
- 2making something seem less serious or more forgivable
Using extenuating: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "extenuating" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The judge took into account the extenuating circumstances surrounding the crime.
Example
His apology was sincere and included extenuating factors that led to his mistake.
Example
The company considered the extenuating circumstances before terminating the employee.
Example
The defendant's lawyer argued that there were extenuating circumstances that should be taken into account.
extenuating Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for extenuating
- mitigating
- excusing
- justifying
- palliating
- explaining away
Antonyms for extenuating
Phrases with extenuating
extenuating circumstances
facts or events that make a crime or offence seem less serious, or that make it easier to understand why it was committed
Example
The court will take into account any extenuating circumstances when deciding on a sentence.
a circumstance or condition that makes something seem less serious or more forgivable
Example
The company considered the employee's extenuating factors before making a decision about his termination.
an apology that includes explanations or justifications for one's actions, often in an attempt to make them seem less serious
Example
Her extenuating apology included a detailed explanation of the events that led up to the mistake.
Origins of extenuating
from Latin 'extenuare', meaning 'to make thin'
Summary: extenuating in Brief
The term 'extenuating' [ɪkˈstɛnjuːeɪtɪŋ] describes a factor or situation that serves to lessen the seriousness of an offense. It is often used in legal contexts, as in 'The judge took into account the extenuating circumstances surrounding the crime.' 'Extenuating' can also describe an apology that includes explanations or justifications for one's actions, as in 'Her extenuating apology included a detailed explanation of the events that led up to the mistake.'
