extenuating circumstances

special (but otherwise unspecified) circumstances that account for an irregular or improper way of doing something. Mary was permitted to arrive late because of extenuating circumstances. Due to extenuating circumstances, the teacher will not meet with the class today.

extenuating circumstances

A situation or condition that provides an excuse for an action, as in Although Nancy missed three crucial rehearsals, there were extenuating circumstances, so she was not dismissed . This expression was originally legal terminology, denoting circumstances that partly excuse a crime and therefore call for less punishment or damages. [c. 1600]

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Tzefanyah	-	Biblical Hebrew
Isingoma	-	Eastern African, Ganda
Zakkai	-	Biblical Hebrew
RoldÃO	-	Portuguese
Malcom	['mælkəm]
Cenhelm	-	Anglo-Saxon