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Meaning & use

extenuating circumstances

phrase·Academicformallegal

Last updated

UK/ɪkˈsten.ju.eɪ.tɪŋ ˈsɜː.kəm.stən.sɪz/
US/ɪkˈsten.ju.eɪ.t̬ɪŋ ˈsɝː.kəm.stən.sɪz/

Meaning

  1. phraseusually plural

    Facts about a situation, such as illness or an emergency, that make a mistake or offense easier to understand and excuse.

    Grammar: Almost always plural; combine with verbs like 'cite', 'plead', or 'take into account'.

    Patterns

    • plead/cite extenuating circumstances
    • in view of extenuating circumstances
    • take extenuating circumstances into account
    • extenuating circumstances for something

    The judge took her extenuating circumstances into account and gave a lighter sentence.

    In view of the extenuating circumstances, the university agreed to let him retake the exam.

Common combinations

plead extenuating circumstances
He pleaded extenuating circumstances, explaining that he had been caring for his sick mother.
cite extenuating circumstances
Her lawyer cited extenuating circumstances, including the blackout during the storm.
take extenuating circumstances into account
Employers should take extenuating circumstances into account before disciplining staff.
in view of extenuating circumstances
In view of the extenuating circumstances, the fine was reduced.

Synonyms and how they differ

mitigating circumstances
The direct legal equivalent, used in court; 'extenuating' is also common in schools and workplaces.

Opposites

aggravating circumstances

Word family

extenuate verb
To make a fault seem less serious; rare outside this phrase.

Commonly confused: extenuating circumstances or attenuating?

extenuating circumstances vs attenuating

'Attenuating' means weakening or thinning (as of sound or signals) and is a common spelling error in this phrase; the correct word is 'extenuating'.

Practice

Choose the correct word: 'The committee agreed to reduce the penalty in view of ___ circumstances, such as her recent hospital stay.'

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