belittling
belittling
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling of "belittling"
IPA: /bɪˈlɪtəlɪŋ/
Syllable Breakdown:
be- /bɪ/
/b/ - voiced bilabial stop
/ɪ/ - short front unrounded vowel
-litt- /ˈlɪtəl/
/ˈl/ - voiced alveolar lateral liquid
/ɪ/ - short front unrounded vowel
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
/əl/ - voiced alveolar lateral liquid
-ling /ɪŋ/
/ɪ/ - short front unrounded vowel
/ŋ/ - voiced velar nasal
Word Form Variations
The word "belittling" is already in its present participle form, which is used to describe an ongoing action. There are no other word form variations for this term.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Verb
Definition: To make someone or something seem less important or valuable.
Synonyms: Diminish, disparage, downgrade, downplay, minimize
Antonyms: Exalt, glorify, magnify, praise, commend
Adjective
Definition: Having the quality of making someone or something seem less important or valuable.
Synonyms: Disparaging, derogatory, contemptuous, scornful, derisive
Antonyms: Complimentary, laudatory, flattering, admiring, respectful
Examples of Use
Books
"He belittled her achievements, claiming that she was simply lucky." (Example from a fictional novel)
"The critic belittled the artist's work, calling it 'derivative' and 'unoriginal.'" (Example from a book about art criticism)
Newspapers
"The politician belittled his opponent's qualifications, accusing him of being unqualified for the job." (Example from a political news article)
"The company belittled the concerns of its employees, claiming that their complaints were unfounded." (Example from a business news article)
Online Publications
"She constantly belittled my ideas, making me feel like I wasn't good enough." (Example from a personal blog post)
"The internet can be a toxic place, where people often belittle others based on their appearance or beliefs." (Example from an online article about cyberbullying)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
"The character's villainous behavior often involves belittling and humiliating others." (Example from a movie review)
"The comedian's act often involves belittling stereotypes and societal expectations." (Example from a stand-up comedy routine)
General Public Discourse
"It's important to avoid belittling others, as it can have a negative impact on their self-esteem." (Example from a conversation about interpersonal relationships)
"The company's marketing campaign was criticized for belittling women." (Example from a social media discussion)
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Belittling
Mark Twain: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that. But the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." (Goodreads)
2. Oscar Wilde: "The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about." (BrainyQuote)
3. Eleanor Roosevelt: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." (BrainyQuote)
4. Unknown: "Don't let anyone belittle your dreams. They are the only things that keep you going."
5. Maya Angelou: "People first make you feel inferior, and then they tell you that you can't do anything about it." (BrainyQuote)
6. Unknown: "The greatest minds are often belittled by the smallest minds."
7. Unknown: "Don't let anyone belittle your intelligence. They're just jealous of your mind."
8. Unknown: "Don't let anyone belittle your worth. You are unique and valuable."
9. Unknown: "It's okay to be different. Don't let anyone belittle you for who you are."
10. Unknown: "Don't let anyone belittle your dreams. They are your reality."
Etymology
The word "belittle" comes from two older words: "be" and "little." The word "be" means "to make," and "little" means "small." So, "belittle" originally meant "to make something small."
It was first used in the 1500s in English. People used it to describe the act of making something seem less important or valuable. For example, someone might belittle another person's achievements by saying they were just lucky.
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Belittling
Phrases
To make light of: To treat something as if it's not important or serious.
To dismiss out of hand: To reject something without considering it carefully.
To pooh-pooh: To express contempt or scorn for something.
Idioms
To make a mountain out of a molehill: To exaggerate the importance or seriousness of something.
To blow something out of proportion: To make something seem much more important or serious than it really is.
To make a tempest in a teapot: To create a big fuss over a small matter.
These phrases and idioms can be used in place of "belittle" to express the idea of making something seem less important or valuable.
Posts Related to Belittling
Source Information
Definition of belittling from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.