belittle
pronunciation
How to pronounce belittle in British English:
UK [bɪˈlɪtl]
How to pronounce belittle in American English:
US [bɪˈlɪtl]
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- Verb:
- belittle
- express a negative opinion of
- lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of
Word Origin
- belittle (v.)
- 1781, "to make small," from be- + little (v.); first recorded in writings of Thomas Jefferson (and probably coined by him), who was roundly execrated for it in England:Belittle! What an expression! It may be an elegant one in Virginia, and even perfectly intelligible; but for our part, all we can do is to guess at its meaning. For shame, Mr. Jefferson! ["European Magazine and London Review," 1787, reporting on "Notes on the State of Virginia"; to guess was considered another barbarous Yankeeism.]Jefferson used it to characterize Buffon's view that American life was stunted by nature, which he was refuting. The figurative sense of "depreciate, scorn as worthless" (as the reviewers did to this word) is from 1797. Related: Belittled; belittling.
Synonym
Example
- 1. By no means do I intend to belittle their contribution .
- 2. Hang out with other people who belittle you .
- 3. They will justify their behavior , belittle and mock anyone who says their behavior is sinful or demonic .
- 4. Anyone who has followed the story long-term cannot help but notice that many westerners actively seek to belittle japan .
- 5. They belittle the person 's skills ( possibly subconsciously ) and set them up to fail .