belittle
verb (used with object)
to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.
was belittling
-
past progressiveof belittle.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The committee found that Harris' behaviour was "belittling, and his threats were designed deliberately to have greatest impact" on Earle.
From BBC ● Jan. 31, 2024
He did not mention Josh Kasich by name but clearly was belittling his chances.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 16, 2016
The point was that the person might be offended or could think I was belittling the author out of jealousy – and that remote possibility triggered a response in my brain.
From Salon ● Dec. 28, 2015
But he seemed more interested in needling Callen for not sticking up for him when Rogan was belittling his fighting ability.
From The New Yorker ● Dec. 12, 2014
It probably seemed like I was belittling a moment they'd been waiting years to experience.
From "Americanized" by Sara Saedi
