Extenuate

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪkˈstÉ›njueɪt/

Origin

From Latin extenuatus, past participle of extenuare ("to make thin, loosen, weaken") from ex ("out") + tenuare ("to make thin"), from tenuis ("thin").

Full definition of extenuate

Verb

1. (transitive) To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the thickness.
• GrewHis body behind the head becomes broad, from whence it is again extenuated all the way to the tail.
2. (intransitive) To become thinner.
3. (transitive) To lessen; to palliate; to lessen or weaken the force of; to diminish the conception of, as crime, guilt, faults, ills, accusations, etc.; opposed to aggravate.
• 1599, William Shakespeare, ,CLAUDIO. I know what you would say: if I have known her,You'll say she did embrace me as a husband,And so extenuate the 'forehand sin: No, Leonato,I never tempted her with word too large;But, as a brother to his sister, show'dBashful sincerity and comely love.
• I. TaylorLet us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing reality.
4. (obsolete) To lower or degrade; to detract from.
• MiltonWho can extenuate thee?