How to pronounce belittle
Say it like bih-LIT-ul. Belittle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LIT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce belittle. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- bih
- LIT
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Belittle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- LITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of belittle
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: bih-LIT-ul.
What does belittle mean?
- To disparage, depreciate, or minimize the importance, value, merit, or significance of someone or something.“Don't belittle your colleagues.”
- To make small.
Where does belittle come from?
From be- + little. Coined by Thomas Jefferson in 1782.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with belittle
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of belittle.
Questions about saying belittle
How do you pronounce belittle?
Say bih-LIT-ul. The American pronunciation is /bɪˈlɪtəl/. In British English it is /bɪˈlɪtəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in belittle?
Belittle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LIT). Broken into parts: bih · LIT · ul.
Is belittle pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /bɪˈlɪtəl/ (bih-LIT-ul).