What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
parsonize
Example
He tends to parsonize his colleagues, always acting like he knows better than them. [parsonize: verb]
Example
Her parsonizing tone made it clear that she thought she was better than everyone else. [parsonizing: gerund or present participle]
belittle
Example
She always tries to belittle her coworkers' accomplishments to make herself look better. [belittle: verb]
Example
His constant belittling of his girlfriend's intelligence eventually led to their breakup. [belittling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Belittle is more commonly used than parsonize in everyday language. Belittle is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while parsonize is less common and has a more formal connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between parsonize and belittle?
Parsonize is typically associated with a formal and old-fashioned tone, while belittle is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.