belittle vs criticize

belittle and criticize both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
belittle	No	No	Yes	No
criticize	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, criticize is a hypernym of belittle; that is, criticize is a word with a broader meaning than belittle:

belittle: express a negative opinion of
criticize: find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws

Other hypernyms of belittle include criticise, knock, pick apart.

belittle (verb)	criticize (verb)
lessen the authority, dignity, or reputation of	find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws
express a negative opinion of	act as a critic
cause to seem less serious; play down