belittle
verb (used with object)
to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.
belittled
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past participleof belittle.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof belittle.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
belittleverb (used with object)to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
History has been unkind to the former first lady, who has been routinely belittled, mocked and misjudged.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 11, 2026
It is fascinating to me that Thomas, who genuinely feels belittled by every single thing that has ever happened to him, has somehow gotten smaller on the job.
From Slate ● Apr. 17, 2026
US President Donald Trump said Friday that Colombian President Gustavo Petro, a leftist his administration long belittled, will visit the White House next month as he voiced optimism for ties.
From Barron's ● Jan. 9, 2026
Others believe it is a misguided venture and, if Sabalenka loses, will create an opportunity for women's tennis to be belittled.
From BBC ● Dec. 28, 2025
The Party shall continue unabated, in full festival Mode, for some few weeks thereafter, or until the belittled Pestilence has run its course through the Assembled.
From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume I: The Pox Party" by M.T. Anderson
