⬇️ Making less important 🗣️ Critical or dismissive

belittling

6.2

Showing that someone or something has little value

adjective
/bɪˈlɪtəlɪŋ/

: despectivo

And, and the way that he's cheapening and belittling this, the country's constitution and its history is appalling.

Examples

He made a belittling remark about her artwork that left her feeling unappreciated.
But if you have to make a truly stupid and belittling comment like this, I guess the point of the story is completely lost on you.

Blog text (33)
I think for me, probably it would be this point of if somebody calls me a networker, I sort of find that slightly belittling to be honest.
And if it is, it will only be tossed out as an afterthought in the most spiteful, belittling fashion possible.

Blog text (11)
Unfortunately, NT privilege is a motherfucker, and it is unlikely any actual explanation will be offered, and if it is, it will only be tossed out as an afterthought in the most spiteful, belittling fashion possible.

Blog text (11)
The teacher's belittling comments during the presentation discouraged many students from participating.
She felt hurt by his belittling attitude towards her accomplishments, as if they were unworthy of recognition.

Synonyms

derogatory

vsbelittling

39 6.9

Expressing an insulting, disrespectful view of someone or something

is criticism that may attack character rather than reduce value

demeaning

vsbelittling

33 4.8

Making someone feel small and unimportant

expresses criticism but focuses on reducing importance rather than dignity

deprecating

vsbelittling

1 6.9

Showing that you think something is not good or important

expresses criticism that focuses on lowering worth rather than mild dislike

disparaging

vsbelittling

Offensive

1 7.0

Showing a low opinion of someone or something

expresses criticism but not always aimed at lowering someone's worth

deprecatory

vsbelittling

1 8.5

Showing that you disapprove of something or think it is unimportant

is the broader form focusing on reducing importance rather than mere dislike

deprecative

vsbelittling

7.6

Showing you do not like or value something

is the general act of criticizing to lower value rather than simple dislike

depreciatory

vsbelittling

8.2

Showing that someone or something is not important and often insulting them

focuses on making things seem less valuable rather than merely disliked

depreciative

vsbelittling

Offensive

7.8

Expressing a low opinion of someone or something

is the general expression of criticism aimed at lowering perceived value

derogative

vsbelittling

8.1

Showing a bad opinion of someone to make them seem less important

focuses on insulting tone rather than measured criticism

denigrating

vsbelittling

7.7

Harming someone's reputation by saying unfair or untrue things

expresses criticism but usually targets reputation rather than general importance

slighting

vsbelittling

Offensive

8.0

Showing little respect and trying to make someone feel unimportant

is criticism that may be less about contempt and more about lowering worth

Antonyms

to value

285 1.9

To think a person or thing is important

How Demeaning

humiliating

Offensive

80 4.5

insulting

Offensive

130 3.0

derogatory

39 6.9

belittling

6.2

dismissive

43 5.6

Surface Forms

belittling positive

Morphology

belittling = belittle (transparent) = be + little + ing

Adjectival use is formed from the verb 'belittle' by adding the participial '-ing', which is a standard and transparent process.

Etymology

Belittling comes from the small word be- plus little, meaning 'make small', and a belittling tone or remark tries to make someone seem unimportant or less valuable.