Meaning of the word extenuate in English

What does extenuate mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

extenuate

US /ɪkˈsten.ju.eɪt/
UK /ɪkˈsten.ju.eɪt/

Verb

to make something bad seem less serious or more forgivable

Example:
His poverty was considered to extenuate his crime.
There were no circumstances that could extenuate his brutal behavior.