| verb | make small or insignificant “Let's minimize the risk” |
| verb | represent as less significant or important |
| verb | cause to seem less serious; play down “Don't belittle his influence” |
| minimization | noun | the act of reducing something to the least possible amount or degree or position |
| minimum | noun | the smallest possible quantity |
| minimisation | noun | the act of reducing something to the least possible amount or degree or position |
| understatement | noun | a statement that is restrained in ironic contrast to what might have been said |
| denigrative | adjective | (used of statements) harmful and often untrue; tending to discredit or malign |
| denigration | noun | a belittling comment |
| derogative | adjective | expressive of low opinion |
| derogatory | adjective | expressive of low opinion |
| derogation | noun | a communication that belittles somebody or something |