Hi Sarah, When we view someone as being inferior to us, or lower in status than us, we "despise" him or her. In other words, we look down on that person. Example: The rich millionaire despised the poor villagers who lined the streets to welcome him into their village. / I despise those adults who abuse their own children. When we do or say something to make someone feel less important, we "belittle" that person. Example: He belittles his co-workers by speaking to them in a condescending manner. Everyone avoids him like a plague. Main difference is that when we despise someone, it can be a mental desposition while we physically do something (an action or use words) to belittle someone whom we despise. Hope this helps. Cheers, Lance

Despise basically means to hate: I despise Donald Trump My friends despise their teacher Belittle means to make someone look small and insignificant. It is a way f insulting people: She never gives me any credit for my achievements, she is always belittling me. My wife always criticizes me in front of our friends. I feel like she is belittling me.