extenuating

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ex|tenu|at|ing /ɪkst'enjueɪtɪŋ/
[ADJ] usu ADJ n
If you say that there are extenuating circumstances for a bad situation or wrong action, you mean that there are reasons or factors which partly excuse it. (FORMAL)
The defendants decide to admit their guilt, but insist that there are extenuating circumstances.
= mitigating

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