Extenuate
Verb
Definition: To lessen or reduce the seriousness, strength, or extent of something.
Synonyms: Mitigate, Diminish, Moderate
Antonyms: Aggravate, Worsen, Amplify
- He tried to extenuate his actions by explaining his difficult circumstances.
- The lawyer attempted to extenuate the defendant's guilt by highlighting their remorse and lack of prior offenses.
- Think of "ex" meaning out of, and "ten" sounding like "less," so extenuate means to make something less serious or lessen its impact.
Etymology:
The word "extenuate" is derived from the Latin word "extenuatus," which is the past participle of "extenuare," meaning to make thin or slender. It combines the prefix "ex-" (out) and "tenuis" (thin). The word entered the English language in the late 16th century.
Historical Usage:The term has been used consistently throughout history in the context of reducing the impact or severity of wrongdoing, guilt, or unfavorable circumstances.
Related Idioms:
"Extenuating circumstances"
Explanation:This phrase refers to specific factors or conditions that are considered when determining the severity or consequence of an action, particularly in legal or ethical contexts. These circumstances may be used to partly excuse or lessen the culpability of the person involved.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "extenuate" with "exacerbate."
Explanation:Despite the similarity in sound, the words have opposite meanings. While "extenuate" means to lessen or reduce, "exacerbate" means to make something worse or more intense.