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
• belittler noun
• belittlingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of belittle¹

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

Example Sentences

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.”

Read more on Wall Street Journal

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

Read more on Wall Street Journal

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

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A father will regularly dismiss, talk down to or belittle his offspring.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For a dozen years and more they've been belittled by Celtic and, as much as Martin's plea for patience was understandable, it was also naive.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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