Belittling: meaning, definitions and examples
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belittling
[ bɪˈlɪt(ə)lɪŋ ]
in a conversation
To make someone or something seem less impressive or important than they really are.
Synonyms
depreciate, diminish, disparage.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belittling |
Use this word when someone is making another person or their achievements seem less important or valuable. It often has a negative connotation, implying disrespect.
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| disparage |
Use this word when someone criticizes someone or something in a way that shows they do not respect or value them. It carries a strong negative connotation.
|
| depreciate |
Use this word primarily in financial or economic contexts, referring to the decrease in value of an asset over time. It can also be used more broadly to indicate a reduction in the perceived value of something, though this usage is less common.
|
| diminish |
Use this word when something reduces in size, importance, or intensity. It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts and doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He belittled her efforts in front of the whole team.
- I don't appreciate you constantly belittling my opinions.
describing behavior
Showing a lack of respect for someone or something, often by making them feel unimportant.
Synonyms
condescending, derogatory, disrespectful.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belittling |
Use 'belittling' when someone is trying to make someone else seem less important or less valuable. This often involves downplaying achievements or worth.
|
| disrespectful |
Use 'disrespectful' to describe actions or words that show a lack of respect or courtesy towards someone or something.
|
| derogatory |
Use 'derogatory' for remarks or terms that are disrespectful and intended to demean or insult someone.
|
| condescending |
Use 'condescending' when someone is talking down to others, acting as if they are superior or more knowledgeable. It's an attitude of patronizing superiority.
|
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.