extenuating
Group 31Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Serving to lessen the seriousness of an offense; partially excusing GRE
Example in Context
The judge took extenuating circumstances into account when sentencing, noting the defendant's age and previously clean record.
Synonyms
excusingmitigatingjustifying
Etymology
To lessen seriousness by making excuses.
- ex- (Latin) — out of
- tenuare (Latin) — to make thin
Memory Aid
🤝Sounds like “extend you in”
When you EXTENUATE, you EXTEND an excuse to make yourself look better than you are!
Visual Association
🕵️A detective revealing a secret that softens the blow of a crime — a dramatic twist!
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “extenuating” mean on the GRE?
extenuating (adjective) means “Serving to lessen the seriousness of an offense; partially excusing”. The judge took extenuating circumstances into account when sentencing, noting the defendant's age and previously clean record.
How to remember “extenuating” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “extenuating” sounds like “extend you in”. When you EXTENUATE, you EXTEND an excuse to make yourself look better than you are!
What are synonyms for “extenuating”?
Common synonyms: excusing, mitigating, justifying.