Belittler is a word used to describe someone who belittles or depreciates the value or importance of someone or something. This article will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of belittler, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Belittler is a noun that refers to someone who belittles or disparages others. It is also used to describe someone who makes light of or downplays the importance of something.
Origin
The word belittler comes from the verb belittle, which means to make something seem less important or valuable than it really is. The word belittle has been in use since the 17th century, and the noun form belittler was first recorded in the early 20th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, belittler is defined as “a person who belittles or disparages others.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “one who belittles something or someone.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines belittler as “someone who makes something seem less important or less good than it really is.”
Associations
Belittler is often associated with negative behavior, such as bullying, disrespect, and arrogance. It is also associated with low self-esteem and insecurity, as people who belittle others often do so to make themselves feel better.
Synonyms
Synonyms of belittler include degrader, detractor, depreciator, diminisher, and disparager.
Antonyms
Antonyms of belittler include promoter, supporter, advocate, and champion.
The same root words
The word belittler is derived from the verb belittle, which is made up of the prefix “be-” (meaning “to cause to be”) and the word “little” (meaning “small”). Other words derived from the same root include little, littleness, and littoral.
Example Sentences
- The belittler in the office always made fun of his colleagues’ ideas.
- She was a belittler of her own accomplishments, always downplaying her achievements.
- The coach was a belittler of his players, constantly criticizing and demeaning them.
- The politician was accused of being a belittler of his opponents, using insults and name-calling to discredit them.
- The teacher warned the students not to be belittlers of each other, and to treat everyone with respect.