Belittlement — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /bi-ˈli-tᵊl/ be·lit·tle

Meaning & Definition of Belittlement

Belittlement (verb)

  1. to speak slightingly of, disparage
  2. to cause (a person or thing) to seem little or less

Belittlement (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act of making a person or a thing seem little or unimportant

    "an unconscionable belittlement of his assistant in public"

    similar: denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement, put-down
    related: aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling
    opposite: aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification
    near: acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Related Entry: Belittle (verb)

Belittle is a different word from Belittlement. The synonyms below are for belittle, not for belittlement.

  1. to express scornfully one's low opinion of

    "belittled the action star's acting ability"

    similar: bad-mouth, cry down, decry, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (slang), discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off, dump on
    related: discommend, abuse, scold, disapprove (of), dislike, censure, condemn, criticize, denounce, reprehend, reprobate, asperse, defame, malign, rip, slander, slur, traduce, vilify, discredit, disgrace
    opposite: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol, glorify, laud, magnify, praise
    near: approve, countenance, endorse, favor, recommend, sanction, commend, compliment, eulogize

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Belittlement

The most common words with a similar meaning to Belittlement:

denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement, put-down

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Belittlement

Words with the opposite meaning of Belittlement:

aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

Related Words for Belittlement

aspersion, backbiting, calumny, defamation, libel, slander, vilification, derision, mockery, ridicule, abuse, invective, vituperation, censure, condemnation, criticism, denouncement, denunciation, de-emphasis, minimization, soft-pedaling

Near Antonyms of Belittlement

acclaim, praise, approbation, approval, blessing, commendation, hype, puffery

Word Forms of Belittlement

Inflections: belittled, belittling

Derived words: belittlement (noun), belittler (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Belittlement

First known use: 1782

Frequently Asked Questions about Belittlement

What does "Belittlement" mean?

"Belittlement" means to speak slightingly of, disparage. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to speak slightingly of, disparage.

What is another word for "Belittlement"?

Other words for "Belittlement" include denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement and put-down. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Belittlement" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Belittlement"?

There are 29 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Belittlement". Common alternatives include denigration, deprecation, depreciation, derogation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement and put-down.

What is the opposite of "Belittlement"?

Antonyms of "Belittlement" include aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification and magnification. Near antonyms include acclaim, praise, approbation and approval.

How do you use "Belittlement" in a sentence?

Examples of "Belittlement" in a sentence: "an unconscionable belittlement of his assistant in public".

Is "Belittlement" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Belittlement" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Belittlement"?

"Belittlement" is pronounced /bi-ˈli-tᵊl/ and divided into syllables as be·lit·tle.

What is the origin of the word "Belittlement"?

First known use: 1782.