mitigation

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious
noun a partial excuse to mitigate censure; an attempt to represent an offense as less serious than it appears by showing mitigating circumstances
noun the action of lessening in severity or intensity

From Middle French mitigation, from Latin mitigatio.

But on the others--guilty, and without mitigation." — The Long Roll, Mary Johnston
The passing time seemed to bring no mitigation. — Helen Vardon's confession, R. Austin (Richard Austin) Freeman
The shorter address in mitigation of the penalty; 3rd. — Apology, Plato

extenuation, palliation

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