extenuating
US /ɪkˈsten.ju.eɪ.t̬ɪŋ/
UK /ɪkˈsten.ju.eɪ.t̬ɪŋ/
1.
atenuante
causing a wrong act to be judged less seriously by giving reasons for it:
:
•
She was found guilty of theft, but because of extenuating circumstances was not sent to prison.