bɨˈlɪt.əl ˈdɛn.ɪ.ɡɹeɪt ˈdɛɹəɡeɪt dɪˈmɪnɪʃ dɪsˈpæɹɪd͡ʒ ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz ˈmɪn.ɨ.maɪz lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of don't belittle your colleagues express a negative opinion of She disparaged her student's efforts cause to seem less serious; play down Don't belittle his influence