Grammar fix
belittle someone
make seem unimportant
To make someone or their abilities seem less important or valuable.
expression
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
A good manager should give useful feedback without belittling people.
I once had a teacher who belittled students when they gave the wrong answer, and that made the whole class afraid to speak.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He underestimated me in front of the team.
Say: He belittled me in front of the team.
'Underestimate' means think someone is less able than they are; 'belittle' means make them feel small by what you say or do.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Make someone feel small
How damagingDemeaningDestructive
put downMake someone feel stupid or unimportant through critical remarks.
belittle someoneYou're here · Make someone's abilities or achievements seem unimportant.
tear downCriticize harshly enough to damage someone's confidence or reputation.