extenuation Hear it!

extenuation Definition

ex·tenu·ation (ek sten′yo̵̅o̅ ā′s̸hən, ik-)

noun

  1. an extenuating or being extenuated; esp., mitigation, as of the seriousness of a crime, offense, etc.
  2. a thing that extenuates; partial excuse

Etymology: ME extenuacioun < L extenuatio

extenuation Synonyms

extenuation

n.

  1. An excuse

    apology, vindication, justification; see explanation 2, justification.

  2. Reduction

    diminution, abatement, mitigation; see reduction 1.

extenuation Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • indicate: He has done his best to make bricks without straw, but I have not heard a word which indicates any extenuation whatsoever.