belittle

verb

be·​lit·​tle bi-ˈli-tᵊl How to pronounce belittle (audio)
bē-
belittled; belittling bi-ˈli-tᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce belittle (audio)
-ˈlit-liŋ,
bē-

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 matterMark Twain
belittlement noun
belittler
bi-ˈli-tᵊl-ər How to pronounce belittle (audio)
-ˈlit-lər
bē-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of belittle in a Sentence

The critic belittled the author's work. Her detractors are in the habit of belittling her accomplishments.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Following the complaint, the employee is said to have felt actively sidelined and belittled. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025 The suit also alleges Santiago belittled Aleysha in front of teachers and other students and mocked her learning disabilities. Danny Freeman, CNN, 27 Feb. 2025 The Ukrainian leader’s efforts to shore up European support while pressing ahead on negotiations with the United States came despite ominous messages from President Trump in recent days belittling Mr. Zelensky and issuing threats if Ukraine does not soon agree to a minerals deal. Constant Méheut, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025 My father often belittled me to show himself in a better light. R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for belittle

Word History

First Known Use

1782, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of belittle was in 1782

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Belittle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/belittle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

belittle

verb
be·​lit·​tle bi-ˈlit-ᵊl How to pronounce belittle (audio)
belittled; belittling -ˈlit-ᵊl-iŋ How to pronounce belittle (audio)
-ˈlit-liŋ
: to make (a person or a thing) seem little or unimportant
belittle the success of a rival
belittlement noun
belittler
-ˈlit-ᵊl-ər How to pronounce belittle (audio)
-ˈlit-lər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on belittle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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