2 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Extenuate \Ex*ten"u*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Extenuated}; p.
pr & vb n. {Extenuating}.] [L. extenuatus p. p. of
extenuare to make thin, loosen, weaken; ex out + tenuare to
make thin, tenuis thin. See {Tenuity}.]
1. To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the
thickness.
His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence
it is again extenuated all the way to the tail.
--Grew.
2. To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of
to diminish the conception of as crime, guilt, faults,
ills, accusations, etc.; -- opposed to aggravate.
But fortune there extenuates the crime. --Dryden.
Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing
reality. --I. Taylor.
3. To lower or degrade; to detract from [Obs.]
Who can extenuate thee? --Milton.
Syn: To palliate; to mitigate. See {Palliate}.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
extenuating
adj : partially excusing or justifying; "extenuating
circumstances"
more about extenuating
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