extenuate: Meaning and Definition of

ex•ten•u•ate

1. to represent (a fault, offense, etc.) as less serious: to extenuate a crime.
2. to serve to make (a fault, offense, etc.) seem less serious.
3. to underestimate, underrate, or make light of: Do not extenuate the difficulties we are in.
1. to make thin, lean, or emaciated.
2. to reduce the consistency or density of.