belittling

(noun) a belittling comment. Synonyms: denigration.

(noun) the act of belittling.

(verb) cause to seem less serious; play down. Synonyms: minimize, belittle, denigrate, derogate. Example: "Don't belittle his influence."

(verb) express a negative opinion of. Synonyms: disparage, belittle, pick at. Example: "She disparaged her student's efforts."

(verb) lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of. Synonyms: diminish, belittle. Example: "Don't belittle your colleagues."

(adj) tending to diminish or disparage. Synonyms: deprecating, deprecative, deprecatory, depreciative, depreciatory, slighting. Examples: "Belittling comments." "Managed a deprecating smile at the compliment." "Deprecatory remarks about the book." "A slighting remark."