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.
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
"When I was younger I used to just keep quiet and felt patronised and belittled," she said.
From BBC ● Mar. 4, 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
It prompts other team members to drop out of the discussion or withhold information, fearing that they will be belittled if they speak up.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 19, 2025
My brain remembered just how long I’d been ignored and belittled.
From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon
