Transcription
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- UK Pronunciation
- UK IPA
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- [bih-lit-l]
- /bɪˈlɪt l/
- /bɪˈlɪt.l̩/
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- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
-
- [bih-lit-l]
- /bɪˈlɪt l/
Definitions of belittle word
- verb belittle If you belittle someone or something, you say or imply that they are unimportant or not very good. 3
- verb belittle to consider or speak of (something) as less valuable or important than it really is; disparage 3
- verb belittle to cause to make small; dwarf 3
- verb transitive belittle to make seem little, less important, etc.; speak slightingly of; depreciate 3
- verb with object belittle to regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; depreciate; disparage. 1
- transitive verb belittle disparage: a person 1
Information block about the term
Origin of belittle
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 Belittle
noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation
belittle 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.
belittle usage trend in Literature
This diagram is provided by Google Ngram ViewerSynonyms for belittle
verb belittle
- 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 belittle
verb belittle
- 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.
Top questions with belittle
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See also
Matching words
- Words starting with b
- Words starting with be
- Words starting with bel
- Words starting with beli
- Words starting with belit
- Words starting with belitt
- Words starting with belittl
- Words starting with belittle