EXTENUATE


Meaning of EXTENUATE in English

v.

Pronunciation: ik- ' sten-y ə - ˌ w ā t, -yü- ˌ ā t

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form: -at · ed ; -at · ing

Etymology: Latin extenuatus, past participle of extenuare, from ex- + tenuis thin ― more at THIN

Date: 1529

1 a archaic : to make light of b : to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses : MITIGATE < extenuating circumstances> c obsolete : DISPARAGE

2 a archaic : to make thin or emaciated b : to lessen the strength or effect of

– ex · ten · u · a · tor \ - ˌ (w) ā -t ə r \ noun

– ex · ten · u · a · to · ry \ -(w) ə - ˌ to ̇ r- ē \ adjective

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.