belittling Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun a belittling comment
   denigration.
   
2. noun the act of belittling
   
3. verb cause to seem less serious; play down
   minimize; derogate; denigrate; belittle.
   
   • Don't belittle his influence
4. verb express a negative opinion of
   pick at; disparage; belittle.
   
   • She disparaged her student's efforts
5. verb lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of
   diminish; belittle.
   
   • don't belittle your colleagues
6. adjective satellite tending to diminish or disparage
   deprecatory; deprecating; depreciatory; deprecative; depreciative; slighting.
   
   • belittling comments
   • managed a deprecating smile at the compliment
   • deprecatory remarks about the book
   • a slighting remark

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