Vocabulary in context
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Belittle
To make someone or something seem less important, impressive, or valuable than they actually are; to disparage or minimize the value or contributions of someone or something.
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Imagine This
Picture a student presenting a thoughtful project. A classmate mutters, 'Nice try,' and a teacher nods, but the other students glance away, and the presenter feels their idea shrink as belittling comments chip away at their confidence.
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Sounds Like
bi-LIT-əl
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Looks Like
be little
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Remember This
The word comes from be- (on/over) + little, literally meaning 'to make small.' It carries a negative connotation of diminishing someone's worth.
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Other Forms
belittledverb (past participle)
belittlingpresent participle / adjective (gerund)
belittlementnoun
belittlernoun
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Note
This is a transitive verb and takes a direct object (belittle someone or something). Do not use in contexts where praise is meant; choose 'praise' or 'commend' instead. Related to 'minimize' and 'disparage' but with a more personal, judgmental nuance.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The coach belittled the player's efforts, which dampened the team's enthusiasm.
- Don't belittle someone's achievements; even small contributions matter.
Synonyms
disparagedemeandegrademinimizetrivialize
Antonyms
praisecommendencourage
Etymology
From be- (on/over) + little; first recorded in the 16th century, meaning to make something seem smaller or less important.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic: BE + LITTLE — belittle literally means to make someone feel smaller; remember by picturing someone saying 'Be little' to downplay another's importance.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Diminish
verbTo become smaller in size, amount, importance, or intensity; to reduce.
Disparage
verbTo speak of or treat someone or something with contempt or demeaning language; to belittle or devalue.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
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