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Definition of belittle

belittle

/bɪˈlɪt.əl/
be · lit · tle
Adverb:belittlingly
•
Adjective:belittling
•
Past Simple:belittled
•
Past Participle:belittled
•
Present Participle:belittling
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belittle Lexical Profile

belittle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make someone or something seem unimportant, trivial, or less valuable by speaking of them with contempt or dismissal.

Example

"A supportive mentor will encourage your growth rather than belittle your early efforts."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for belittle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for belittle

• Rhymes for belittle

• Nearby Words

believably
believe
believer
belittle
belittlement
belittler
belize

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in American English in the late 18th century from the prefix 'be-' and 'little', and notably popularized by Thomas Jefferson in his 1785 work 'Notes on the State of Virginia'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Belittle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/belittle
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