belittle him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "belittle him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making someone feel less important or valued, often in a derogatory manner. Example: "It's not right to belittle him just because he made a mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Why did Archer want to belittle him?

The Guardian

Even when Odets was an adult, L.J. continued to belittle him as "big boy".

The New Yorker

The French woman knows that to build a child's inner strength it is best either to completely ignore the child or to belittle him.

The New Yorker

They respected each other's technical ability, but Shaw found a clever and convincing way to belittle him: Goodman merely played clarinet; he himself played music.

The New York Times - Books

And after Mr. Obama gave a long answer weaving together issues of climate change, foreign oil and trade, Mr. McCain opted at first to belittle him.

The New York Times

"And very often, just like in the boxing ring, it's about beating your opponent down, using every way you can to belittle him, which includes attacking his masculinity and the way he looks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Look at how she belittles him," Gonzaga said.

The New Yorker

"It would be churlish if we belittled him.

The Guardian

Even if the Browns had won, Garcia didn't think Owens would stop belittling him.

The New York Times - Sports

Noah said that a fan had belittled him, but would not divulge the taunts that he heard.

The New York Times - Sports

In the past, when Vice President Al Gore belittled him, Mr. Bush expressed something akin to bemusement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the impact of using "belittle him" in your writing. Ensure it aligns with your intended tone and doesn't come across as overly harsh or insensitive. In professional or academic writing, opt for more neutral language.

Common error

While "belittle him" is acceptable, overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "disparage him" or "undermine him" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "belittle him" functions as a verb phrase where "belittle" is a transitive verb taking "him" as its direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. This phrase is used to express the action of making someone seem less important or worthy.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "belittle him" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of making someone feel less important or valued. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usefulness in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, the phrase serves to express disapproval or criticism by diminishing another person's significance. While the phrase is generally acceptable, overuse or use in overly formal contexts should be carefully considered. Alternatives such as "disparage him" or "put him down" can provide nuanced options for conveying similar meanings. Understanding these nuances helps writers use the phrase effectively and appropriately, avoiding potential misinterpretations or unintended harshness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put him down

A more casual way to say belittle, often in a more personal context.

disparage him

Similar to belittling, but often more direct and explicit in criticism.

make him feel small

Emphasizes the emotional impact of belittling, focusing on feelings of insignificance.

demean him

Focuses on lowering his dignity or social standing.

deflate him

Similar to 'make him feel small', focusing on reducing his ego or confidence.

undermine him

Implies weakening his position or authority subtly.

minimize him

Reducing the importance or significance attributed to him.

discredit him

Aims to damage his reputation or believability.

trivialize him

Suggests treating his contributions or ideas as unimportant.

degrade him

Suggests a severe reduction in status or moral character.

FAQs

What does "belittle him" mean?

The phrase "belittle him" means to make someone feel unimportant or insignificant, often through words or actions that diminish their accomplishments or character.

How can I use "belittle him" in a sentence?

You might say, "The manager constantly tried to "belittle him" in front of his colleagues to undermine his confidence."

Are there synonyms for "belittle him"?

Yes, alternatives include "disparage him", "demean him", or "put him down". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

What's the difference between "belittle him" and "criticize him"?

"Criticize him" involves pointing out flaws or errors, while "belittle him" aims to diminish his overall worth or importance. "Belittle him" is generally more demeaning than simply criticizing.