extenuate
v[Tn]
(fml esp law 文, 尤用於法律) make (wrongdoing) less serious (by providing an excuse) (提出藉口或理由)使(罪过)的严重性减轻
Nothing can extenuate such appalling behaviour. 这种骇人听闻的行径罪无可恕.
Because of extenuating circumstances (ie facts taken into consideration that might be regarded as an excuse), the court acquitted him of the crime. 因考虑到情有可原, 法庭判他无罪.
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but haven't we met before.
如果我弄错的话请原谅我,我们以前见过面吧?
I suppose it's difficult for you to do this.
我推测对你来说做这件事情是很困难的。
It took him some time to connect the long rubber pipe to the air supply pipe that ran round the port, but at last it was done and as a result work was able to progress much faster.