1.Definition: a partial excuse to mitigate censure; an attempt to represent an offense as less serious than it appears by showing mitigating circumstances

Related Noun(s):extenuation

Category: General

2.Definition: the action of lessening in severity or intensity

Related Noun(s):moderation

Category: General

3.Definition: to act in such a way as to cause an offense to seem less serious

Related Noun(s):extenuation, palliation

Category: General