belittle

[ bih-lit-l ]
/ bɪˈlɪt l /

verb (used with object), be·lit·tled, be·lit·tling.

to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage.

Origin of belittle

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85; be- + little

OTHER WORDS FROM belittle

be·lit·tle·ment, noun be·lit·tler, noun

Example sentences from the Web for be-little

  • The Baroness, when she desired to be-little the doctor, always called her a female.

    Is He Popenjoy? |Anthony Trollope
  • In saying these things there is no desire to be-little the reputation of any man; the facts were as here stated.

    The Bbur-nma in English |Babur, Emperor of Hindustan

British Dictionary definitions for be-little

belittle
/ (bɪˈlɪtəl) /

verb (tr)

to consider or speak of (something) as less valuable or important than it really is; disparage
to cause to make small; dwarf

Derived forms of belittle

belittlement, noun belittler, noun belittlingly, adverb