be·lit·tle \bə̇ˈlid.əl, bē-, -itəl\transitive verb (belittled ; belittled ; belittling \-itliŋ, -id.əl-, -itəl-\ ; belittles) Etymology:be- + little 1.: to make small or make appear as small < the bulk of the warehouse belittles the houses around it > 2.: to speak of slightingly : disparage, depreciate < belittle a person's efforts > Synonyms:see decry