Belittling - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Belittling means making someone or something seem unimportant or inferior, often through dismissive remarks or actions. It undermines confidence and can be hurtful or demeaning.
Definition:
Making someone or something seem unimportant or less valuable.
Synonyms:
demeaning, disparaging, degrading, minimizing
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (present participle)
Antonyms:
praising, uplifting
Common Collocations:
belittling comments, belittling behavior, belittling tone
Derivatives:
belittle, belittled, belittler
Usage Tips:
Use "belittling" to describe actions or words that diminish someone's worth or achievements.
Common Phrases:
talk down to, make light of, take the shine off
Etymology:
From "be-" (thoroughly) + "little," meaning to reduce in importance or size.
Examples:
- 1. Her belittling remarks hurt his confidence.
- 2. Stop belittling others to feel superior.
- 3. The boss’s belittling tone demoralized the team.
- 4. She regretted her belittling comment immediately.