causing a wrong act to be judged less seriously by giving reasons for it

She was found guilty of theft, but because of extenuating circumstances was not sent to prison. 她被判犯有盗窃罪，但由于情有可原，没有被送进监狱。

The lack of other options was an extenuating factor. 缺乏其他选择是一个情有可原的因素。