1520s, from Latin extenuatus, past participle of extenuare "lessen, make small, reduce, diminish, detract from," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + tenuare "make thin," from tenuis "thin" (see tenet). Used over the years in a variety of literal and figurative senses in English. Related: Extenuated; extenuating. Extenuating circumstances (1660s) are those which lessen the magnitude of guilt (opposed to aggravating).
实用例句
1. Nothing can extenuate his crime.
他的罪责无法减轻.
来自《简明英汉词典》
2. Nothing can extenuate such appalling behaviour.
