# belittle

/bɪˈɫɪtəɫ/ (US) · /bɪlˈɪtəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/belittle
Updated: 2026-05-20

## Definition

to make someone or something seem less important or less valuable than they really are. You use this when someone tries to hurt your feelings by acting like your ideas are not worth listening to.

For teachers: to reduce the importance, value, or significance of something or someone. Often used to describe the act of diminishing another person's worth through speech or behavior.

## Examples

- He tried to belittle her by calling her a child.
- The manager often belittle his team's efforts in front of the board to make himself look more competent.
- By constantly belittle the achievements of her predecessors, the new CEO created a toxic environment where innovation was stifled by fear of public criticism.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.