Dictionary
belittle
verb be·lit·tle \bi-ˈli-təl, bē-\
: to describe (someone or something) as little or unimportant
be·lit·tledbe·lit·tling\-ˈli-təl-iŋ, -ˈlit-liŋ\
Full Definition of BELITTLE
transitive verb
1
: to speak slightingly of : disparage <belittles her efforts>
2
: to cause (a person or thing) to seem little or less <a curiosity so vast that it almost belittled the main matter — Mark Twain>
— be·lit·tle·ment \-ˈli-təl-mənt\ noun
— be·lit·tler \-ˈli-təl-ər, -ˈlit-lər\ noun
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First Known Use of BELITTLE
1797
Related to BELITTLE
Synonym Discussion of BELITTLE
decry, depreciate, disparage, belittle mean to express a low opinion of. decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit <decried their defeatist attitude>. depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed <critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental>. disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison <disparaged polo as a game for the rich>. belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude <belittled the achievements of others>.
BELITTLEMENT Defined for Kids
belittle
verb be·lit·tle \bi-ˈli-təl\
be·lit·tledbe·lit·tling
Definition of BELITTLE for Kids
: to make (a person or a thing) seem small or unimportant <She belittled his efforts.>
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