extenuating

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
  2. adjective partially excusing or justifying

Etymology

From Latin ex (“to delete, to cross out”) and tenuatus, past participle of tenuare (“to make thin”) + Middle English -ing. By surface analysis, ex- + tenuate + -ing.

Synonyms

extenuate, palliate, mitigate

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