Definition

A person who makes something seem less serious or more forgivable.

Example

The lawyer acted as an extenuator, trying to lessen the severity of his client's actions.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of an extenuator in a conversation?

No, I haven't. What does it mean?

It's someone who tries to make excuses or lessen the seriousness of a situation.

That makes sense! I guess we all need an extenuator sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Extenuator → It is formed from "ex-" (meaning out of or from) and "tenuare" (meaning to make thin or lessen). The word describes someone or something that makes a situation less severe or serious, effectively 'thinning out' the gravity of a matter.

Memory Tip

Think of 'making something less serious' — 'ex-' means out of or from, and 'tenuare' means to make thin. This helps you remember that an extenuator is someone who lessens the severity of a situation.

Visually Confused Words