collocation · formal
mitigating circumstances
UK/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ ˈsɜːkəmstɑːnsɪz/US/ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ ˈsɜːrkəmˌstænsɪz/MIT·i·gat·ing CIR·cum·stances
factors that make an offence seem less serious and may reduce the penalty
Examples
“The judge took into account several mitigating circumstances before passing sentence.”
“Lack of prior convictions can be an important mitigating circumstance.”
“Defence lawyers often present mitigating circumstances to reduce the sentence.”
Band 8 sentence
“The court reduced his sentence after the defence demonstrated several mitigating circumstances, including his age and lack of prior convictions.”
Collocations
- consider mitigating circumstances
- present mitigating circumstances
- weigh mitigating circumstances
Word family
Common mistakes
many mitigating circumstance→many mitigating circumstances
mitigating reason→mitigating circumstance(s)
Say it for a higher band
5reasons→6mitigating reason→7+mitigating circumstances
Synonyms
extenuating circumstances
Easily confused
aggravating circumstances
“The prosecution emphasised the aggravating circumstances when arguing for a harsher sentence.”
Related words
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