belittle
verb (used with object)
to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.
have belittled
-
present perfectof belittle.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
However, the lawsuit alleges that “behind closed doors, other officers have belittled Detective Bouldin, challenging her loyalty to the department and marginalizing her for her active role in the community.”
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 9, 2023
“And by never trying to expand their base, they have belittled themselves in the wake of this crisis.”
From New York Times ● Jun. 17, 2020
They have belittled and lied about the contents of the intelligence report.
From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2017
People would have belittled her as a parent.
From Time ● Oct. 27, 2016
It was eloquent of confidence and extreme affection which words would have belittled.
From Sunlight Patch by Credo Fitch Harris
