Belittling: meaning, definitions and examples

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belittling

 

[ bɪˈlɪt(ə)lɪŋ ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

in a conversation

To make someone or something seem less impressive or important than they really are.

Synonyms

depreciate, diminish, disparage

Examples of usage

  • He belittled her efforts in front of the whole team.
  • I don't appreciate you constantly belittling my opinions.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing behavior

Showing a lack of respect for someone or something, often by making them feel unimportant.

Synonyms

condescending, derogatory, disrespectful

Examples of usage

  • His belittling comments towards his colleagues created a toxic work environment.
  • She grew tired of his belittling attitude towards her achievements.

Translations

Translations of the word "belittling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 menosprezo

🇮🇳 तुच्छ करना

🇩🇪 herabwürdigend

🇮🇩 meremehkan

🇺🇦 применшення

🇵🇱 umniejszanie

🇯🇵 軽視

🇫🇷 dénigrant

🇪🇸 menospreciar

🇹🇷 küçümseyici

🇰🇷 폄하

🇸🇦 انتقاص

🇨🇿 zlehčování

🇸🇰 zľahčovanie

🇨🇳 贬低

🇸🇮 podcenjevanje

🇮🇸 niðurlægjandi

🇰🇿 кемсіту

🇬🇪 დამცირება

🇦🇿 kiçiltmə

🇲🇽 menospreciar

Etymology

The word 'belittling' originated from the combination of 'be-' (intensive prefix) and 'little'. It first appeared in the early 19th century, with the meaning of making something seem less impressive or important. Over time, it has become commonly used in conversations and written language to describe behaviors or comments that diminish the worth or significance of someone or something.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,444, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.