noun
- the act of making a fault or offense seem less serious or blameworthy; partial excuse or justification
Usage: often used in the phrase 'in extenuation of' or 'by way of extenuation'
Examples
- In extenuation of his behavior, he claimed he was under extreme stress.
- The lawyer presented evidence in extenuation of her client's crime.
- There is no extenuation for such cruelty.
- The judge considered the defendant's difficult childhood as a possible extenuation.
- He offered no extenuation for missing the deadline.
- Financial hardship was offered in extenuation of the theft.