belittle

[ bih-lit-l ]

verb (used with object)

, be·lit·tled, be·lit·tling.

1. to regard or portray as less little impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.

   Synonyms: dismiss, scorn, deride, deprecate, decry, minimize

belittle

/ bɪˈlɪtəl /

verb

1. to consider or speak of (something) as less valuable or important than it really is; disparage
2. to cause to make small; dwarf

Derived Forms

• beˈlittlement, noun
• beˈlittlingly, adverb
• beˈlittler, noun

Other Words From

• be·little·ment noun
• be·littler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of belittle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; be- + little

Example Sentences

In book excerpts serialised by the Times,, external Care described Jones overseeing a "toxic environment", in which the Australian would belittle and berate players and staff.

From BBC

However, while Trump is known for his love of fast-food, this latest stunt highlights a stark irony: the same man who celebrates McDonald’s burgers seems to belittle the workers who serve them, as evidenced through both his past policies and current attitudes.

From Salon

"Here I am in the middle of the ocean having this person four times my age in that position of power and influence belittle me to death and literally call me worthless… simply because I said no to something."

From BBC

But he also appeared to belittle Gisèle Pelicot’s trauma.

From BBC

And if he says anything to belittle her as a woman or as a person of Black and Indian descent, she can give the camera one of her patented grins, and tell the audience, “If that’s all he’s got, he’s a loser.”

From Salon

Related Words

• criticize
• decry
• deride
• discredit
• disparage
• downplay
• scorn
• underestimate