Definition

A reason or explanation that makes something less serious or more forgivable.

Example

The lawyer presented evidence of extenuation to reduce the severity of the sentence.

Conversation

I heard he got a lighter sentence because of some extenuation in his case.

Really? I didn't know that could happen.

Yeah, apparently there were circumstances that justified his actions.

That makes sense; sometimes life gets complicated.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extenuation → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "tenuare" (meaning to make thin or lessen). The word refers to the act of making something less severe or serious, often in the context of mitigating circumstances.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making something less severe' — 'ex-' means out of or from, and 'tenuare' means to make thin or lessen.

Visually Confused Words