Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
extenuation
Noun
/ɪkˌstɛn.juˈeɪ.ʃən/
Definition
The act of making a fault, offense, or guilt seem less serious or more forgivable.
Examples
- In court, the lawyer presented several factors for the extenuation of her client’s actions.
- He felt a sense of extenuation when he learned about the stress his colleague was under.
- While her mistake was significant, the extenuation provided by her long history of good service was noted by the manager.
Meaning
Extenuation refers to factors or reasons that lessen the severity or impact of something, particularly in the context of an offense or mistake. It suggests that there are mitigating circumstances that should be considered.
Synonyms
- Mitigation
- Alleviation
- Justification
- Lessening
- Relief
