belittlement
|be-lit-tle-ment|
C1
/bɪˈlɪtəlmənt/
(belittle)
diminish importance
Etymology
Etymology Information
'belittlement' originates from the verb 'belittle', which was coined in the late 18th century by Thomas Jefferson.
Historical Evolution
'Belittle' was formed by combining the prefix 'be-' with the word 'little', and eventually became the noun 'belittlement'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to make small or less significant', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act of making someone or something seem less impressive or important.
Her constant belittlement of his achievements was demoralizing.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40