资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Extenuate \Ex*ten"u*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Extenuated}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Extenuating}.] [L. extenuatus, p. p. of
   extenuare to make thin, loosen, weaken; ex out + tenuare to
   make thin, tenuis thin. See {Tenuity}.]
   1. To make thin or slender; to draw out so as to lessen the
      thickness.

            His body behind the head becomes broad, from whence
            it is again extenuated all the way to the tail.
                                                  --Grew.

   2. 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.

            But fortune there extenuates the crime. --Dryden.

            Let us extenuate, conceal, adorn the unpleasing
            reality.                              --I. Taylor.

   3. To lower or degrade; to detract from. [Obs.]

            Who can extenuate thee?               --Milton.

   Syn: To palliate; to mitigate. See {Palliate}.

资料来源 : WordNet®

extenuating
     adj : partially excusing or justifying; "extenuating
           circumstances"