belittle
be·lit·tle
verb \bi-ˈli-təl, bē-\be·lit·tledbe·lit·tling\-ˈli-təl-iŋ, -ˈlit-liŋ\
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
— be·lit·tle·ment \-ˈli-təl-mənt\ noun
— be·lit·tler \-ˈli-təl-ər, -ˈlit-lər\ noun
See Examples of BELITTLE
- The critic belittled the author's work.
- Her detractors are in the habit of belittling her accomplishments.
First Known Use of BELITTLE
1797
Related to BELITTLE
Related Words: discommend; abuse, scold; disapprove (of), dislike; censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate; asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify; discredit, disgrace
Near Antonyms: approve, countenance, endorse (also indorse), favor, recommend, sanction; commend, compliment, eulogize
See Synonym Discussion at decry
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