belittle as in cause to seem less serious

• "play down"
• "Don't belittle his influence"

Synonyms

• minimizemake small or insignificant; represent as less significant or important ; cause to seem less serious
• denigratecause to seem less serious; charge falsely or with malicious intent
• derogatecause to seem less serious

belittle as in express a negative opinion of

• "She disparaged her student's efforts"

Synonyms

• disparageexpress a negative opinion of
• pick atpluck or pull at with the fingers; eat like a bird; express a negative opinion of

belittle as in lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of

• "don't belittle your colleagues"

Synonyms

• diminishdecrease in size, extent, or range; lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of