extenuate
英[ɪk'stenjʊeɪt;ek-]
美[ɪk'stɛnjʊet]
- vt. 减轻；低估；为…找借口；使人原谅
词态变化
第三人称单数: extenuates;过去式: extenuated;过去分词: extenuated;现在分词: extenuating;
助记提示
1. ex- "out" + tenu- + -ate.
2. 这里的 ex- "out" 取引申义，表示：离开、脱离原来的状态或情形。
3. 字面含义：make thin for out. => make sb/sth thin.
4. => lessen, make small, reduce, diminish.
5. 或者：out: 出去、离开、远离。=> 不管。=> 听任、让、使…处于(某种状态)(leave)。
6. 个人倾向于前一种解释，前一种解释似乎更加合理。
英文词源
- extenuate (v.)
- 1520s, from Latin extenuatus, past participle of extenuare "lessen, make small, reduce, diminish, detract from," from ex- "out" (see ex-) + tenuare "make thin," from tenuis "thin" (see tenet). Used over the years in a variety of literal and figurative senses in English. Related: Extenuated; extenuating. Extenuating circumstances (1660s) are those which lessen the magnitude of guilt (opposed to aggravating).
双语例句
- 1. Nothing can extenuate his crime.
- 他的罪责无法减轻.
来自《简明英汉词典》
- 2. Nothing can extenuate such appalling behaviour.
- 这种骇人听闻的行径罪无可恕.
来自《简明英汉词典》
- 3. Nothing can extenuate his guilt.
- 他的罪无法减轻.
来自《现代英汉综合大词典》
- 4. Nothing can extenuate her negligence.
- 她的玩忽职守是无法掩饰的。
来自辞典例句
- 5. Nothing can extenuate such cruelty.
- 如此残忍(的行为)不可原谅.
来自辞典例句