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be-little

be-lit·tle
B b

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [bee lit-l]
    • /bi ˈlɪt l/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [bee lit-l]
    • /bi ˈlɪt l/

Definition of be-little word

  • verb with object be-little to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage. 1

Information block about the term

Origin of be-little

First appearance:

before 1775
One of the 45% newest English words
An Americanism dating back to 1775-85; be- + little

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Be-little

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

be-little popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 69% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
This word is included in each student's vocabulary. Most likely there is at least one movie with this word in the title.

Synonyms for be-little

verb be-little

  • criticize — If you criticize someone or something, you express your disapproval of them by saying what you think is wrong with them.
  • decry — If someone decries an idea or action, they criticize it strongly.
  • squelch — to strike or press with crushing force; crush down; squash.
  • discredit — to injure the credit or reputation of; defame: an effort to discredit honest politicians.
  • deride — If you deride someone or something, you say that they are stupid or have no value.

Antonyms for be-little

verb be-little

  • compliment — A compliment is a polite remark that you say to someone to show that you like their appearance, appreciate their qualities, or approve of what they have done.
  • laud — to praise; extol.
  • praise — the act of expressing approval or admiration; commendation; laudation.
  • increase — to make greater, as in number, size, strength, or quality; augment; add to: to increase taxes.
  • overrate — to rate or appraise too highly; overestimate: I think you overrate their political influence.

See also

Matching words

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