Belittle vs. Degrade

Belittleverb

(transitive) To knowingly say that something is smaller or less important than it actually is.

Belittleverb

To make little or less in a moral sense; to speak of in a depreciatory or contemptuous way.

Belittleverb

belittle;

Belittleverb

express a negative opinion of;

Belittleverb

lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of;

Belittleverb

dismiss (someone or something) as unimportant

Degradeverb

(transitive) To lower in value or social position.

Degradeverb

(intransitive) To reduce in quality or purity.

Degradeverb

To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.

Degradeverb

To reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree; to lower in rank; to deprive of office or dignity; to strip of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general officer.

Degradeverb

To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or intellectual character of; to debase; to bring shame or contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man.

Degradeverb

To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.

Degradeverb

To degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through this or that genus or group of genera.

Degradeverb

reduce the level of land, as by erosion

Degradeverb

reduce in worth or character, usually verbally;

Degradeverb

lower the grade of something; reduce its worth