belittle

[bih-lit-l]

verb (used with object)

belittled, belittling 

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

Other Word Forms

• belittlement noun
• belittlingly adverb
• belittler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of belittle¹

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

Example Sentences

Critics said the language was imprecise, including a mandate to get rid of departments that belittle conservative ideas.

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Anyone presenting information not approved by the ruler is denounced and belittled, ostracized and denied access.

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It seeks to create a more welcoming environment for conservatives, asking colleges to make governance changes and abolish departments that “purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas.”

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One term asks universities to commit to “transforming or abolishing institutional units that purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas.”

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That includes “transforming or abolishing institutional units that purposefully punish, belittle, and even spark violence against conservative ideas.”

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Related Words

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