Attenuate vs. Extenuate: Understanding the Difference

Attenuate vs. Extenuate: Understanding the Difference

The Difference between Attenuate and Extenuate

The word “attenuate” comes from the Latin word “attenuare,” which means to make thin or weak. On the other hand, “extenuate” also has Latin roots, coming from “extenuatus,” which means to make light or lessen.

Attenuate is used when something is made thinner, weaker, or reduced in force or effect. Extenuate is used when something is made less serious or more forgivable.

Think of “attenuate” as making something weak (think of “attenuate” as “a-tin-u-ate” = make something as thin as tin). For “extenuate,” remember that it makes a situation less serious or lighter.

1. The medication will attenuate your symptoms.
2. The signal attenuated as it moved further away.
3. The artist used shading to attenuate the colors in the painting.
4. The lawyer argued that the evidence would attenuate the severity of the crime.
5. The chef used water to attenuate the spiciness of the curry.

1. His apology did not extenuate the pain he caused.
2. They tried to extenuate their lateness by blaming the traffic.
3. The jury considered the circumstances that could extenuate the defendant’s actions.
4. She hoped her good record at work would extenuate her recent mistake.
5. The teacher tried to extenuate his student’s poor performance by citing personal issues.

Attenuate is used when something is weakened or reduced in force, while extenuate is used when something is made less serious or more forgivable.