extenuating
adj. 情有可原的；使减轻的
v. 为……找借口；能减轻……的严重性；轻视（extenuate 的 ing 形式）
例句
There were extenuating circumstances and the defendant did not receive a prison sentence.
因有可减轻罪行的情节被告未被判刑。
《牛津词典》
The defendants decide to admit their guilt, but insist that there are extenuating circumstances.
被告们决定认罪，但坚称有情有可原的情节。
《柯林斯英汉双解大词典》
He stole the money, but there are extenuating circumstances.
他是偷了钱，但有可以减轻罪责的情况。
