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Meaning of extenuate
to make something seem less serious or offensive
Etymology of extenuate
The word "extenuate" originates from the Latin words "ex" meaning "out" or "away" and "tenuare" meaning "to make thin", which is derived from "tenuis" meaning "thin" or "slender"
Historically, the word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of making something seem less severe or serious
Synonyms
Definitions
- To reduce the severity or extent of something, especially a fault or a problem
- * To make something seem less serious or offensive by providing a partial excuse or explanation
Usage Examples
- The company tried to extenuate the negative impact of the product recall by offering discounts to affected customers
- * She attempted to extenuate her tardiness by explaining that she had been stuck in traffic