belittle

/bɪlˈɪtə‍l/

/bɪˈɫɪtəɫ/

[verb]

to belittle

[VERB]

MAIN VERB

lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of

synonyms : diminish

express a negative opinion of

synonyms : disparage

pick at

antonyms : flatter

cause to seem less serious; play down

synonyms : denigrate

derogate

minimize

Examples

1. Players around Major League Baseball have mounted their high horses to belittle the Astros and commissioner Rob Manfred, who hasn’t punished those players in any way.

2. Ever since Jack got a promotion at work, he's been acting too big for his breeches, bragging about his success and belittling his colleagues.

3. In other words, intelligent people belittle their own expertise.

4. A fourth marker is belittling.