Extenuates

/ɪkˈstɛnjueɪts/ verb

Definition

Third person singular present tense of extenuate; makes something seem less serious by offering explanations or partial excuses.

Etymology

Regular conjugation of extenuate with the -s ending for third person singular. The verb maintains its Latin root meaning while following modern English conjugation patterns.

Kelly Says

The verb 'extenuates' appears frequently in legal and formal writing because lawyers constantly argue that circumstances 'thin down' or reduce their client's culpability.

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