Meaning of belittle in English
Table of contents
Verb
belittleEtymology
late 18th century: from be- + little; a coinage of Thomas Jefferson originally meaning ‘diminish in size, make small’Definitions
1. belittleExamples
- « Don't belittle his influence »
Derived terms
- 2. express a negative opinion of
Examples
- « She disparaged her student's efforts »
Antonyms
Derived terms
- 3. lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of
Examples
- « don't belittle your colleagues »
Famous quotes
- « I hope my tongue in prune juice smothers, If I belittle dogs and mothers. » Ogden Nash