英语单词

extenuate是什么意思

extenuate

英 [ɪk'stenjʊeɪt; ek-] 美 [ɪk'stɛnjʊet]
  • vt. 减轻;低估;为…找借口;使人原谅

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

考试词汇

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