ex·ten·u·ate ( k-st n y - t )tr.v. ex·ten·u·at·ed, ex·ten·u·at·ing, ex·ten·u·ates 1. To lessen or attempt to lessen the magnitude or seriousness of, especially by providing partial excuses. See Synonyms at palliate. 2. Archaic a. To make thin or emaciated. b. To reduce the strength of. 3. Obsolete To belittle; disparage. [Latin extenu re, extenut- : ex-, ex- + tenure, to make thin (from tenuis, thin; see ten- in Indo-European roots).]ex·ten u·ative adj. & n.ex·ten u·ator n.ex·ten u·a·tory (- -tôr , -t r) adj. |
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