Belittled: meaning, definitions and examples
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belittled
[ bɪˈlɪtəld ]
negative emotion
Belittled refers to the act of making someone or something seem less impressive or important. It often involves downplaying the worth or importance of a person’s qualities or achievements.
Synonyms
demean, denigrate, deprecate, disparage, insult
Examples of usage
- She felt belittled by the mean comments.
- His attempts to belittle her success only made her more determined.
- It's hurtful when people belittle your dreams.
- He belittled her efforts, making her doubt herself.
Translations
Translations of the word "belittled" in other languages:
🇵🇹 menosprezado
🇮🇳 निंदा किया हुआ
🇩🇪 herabgesetzt
🇮🇩 direndahkan
🇺🇦 приниженний
🇵🇱 poniżony
🇯🇵 軽視された
🇫🇷 méprisé
🇪🇸 menospreciado
🇹🇷 küçümsenen
🇰🇷 깔보인
🇸🇦 مُحتَقَر
🇨🇿 ponížený
🇸🇰 ponížený
🇨🇳 被轻视的
🇸🇮 ponižan
🇮🇸 vanvirtur
🇰🇿 кемсітілген
🇬🇪 მინიმუმზე დაქვეითებული
🇦🇿 kiçildilmiş
🇲🇽 menospreciado
Etymology
The word 'belittle' originates from the prefix 'be-' combined with 'little', which denotes to make small. The prefix 'be-' has its roots in Old English, meaning 'to cause to be' or 'to make', while 'little' comes from the Old English word 'lyt', meaning small in size or importance. The term began to appear in the early 19th century and reflected a growing concern about social and interpersonal dynamics, where individuals might struggle for recognition and respect. The act of belittling someone is often viewed as a means of asserting power and control. Over time, 'belittle' has infiltrated both everyday language and formal discourse as a descriptor for disparaging behaviors and has been notably employed in discussions regarding bullying, workplace dynamics, and personal relationships.