B2 verb Formal

폄하하다

/pʰjʌmɦaɦada/

To belittle or disparage the value or achievement of someone or something. It describes the act of looking down on something unfairly.

Examples

3 of 5
1

친구의 꿈을 폄하하지 마세요.

Don't belittle your friend's dream.

2

상대 후보의 업적을 의도적으로 폄하하는 발언은 삼가야 합니다.

One should refrain from remarks that intentionally disparage the opponent's achievements.

3

내 실력을 그렇게 폄하하니까 기분 나빠.

It feels bad that you belittle my skills like that.

Word Family

Noun
폄하
Verb
폄하하다
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Pyum' as 'Flat'—flattening someone's reputation.

Quick Quiz

상대방의 의견을 무조건 ( )하기보다는 경청하는 자세가 필요하다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 폄하

Examples

1

친구의 꿈을 폄하하지 마세요.

everyday

Don't belittle your friend's dream.

2

상대 후보의 업적을 의도적으로 폄하하는 발언은 삼가야 합니다.

formal

One should refrain from remarks that intentionally disparage the opponent's achievements.

3

내 실력을 그렇게 폄하하니까 기분 나빠.

informal

It feels bad that you belittle my skills like that.

4

일부 학자들은 현대 예술의 가치를 폄하하기도 한다.

academic

Some scholars disparage the value of modern art.

5

경쟁사의 제품을 폄하하는 광고는 금지되어 있다.

business

Advertisements that disparage a competitor's product are prohibited.

Word Family

Noun
폄하
Verb
폄하하다

Common Collocations

가치를 폄하하다 to disparage the value
노력을 폄하하다 to belittle effort
의도적으로 폄하하다 to intentionally disparage
업적을 폄하하다 to disparage achievements
인격을 폄하하다 to disparage one's character

Common Phrases

폄하 발언

disparaging remark

일방적으로 폄하하다

to disparage unilaterally

폄하될 일이 아니다

is not something to be belittled

Often Confused With

폄하하다 vs 비하하다

비하하다 often refers to self-deprecation or lowering one's own status, while 폄하하다 is more about devaluing others' objective merits.

📝

Usage Notes

Useful in IELTS Speaking Part 3 when discussing social attitudes or media bias.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Avoid using it in very casual settings; it sounds quite intellectual.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Pyum' as 'Flat'—flattening someone's reputation.

📖

Word Origin

From Sino-Korean 貶 (belittle) + 下 (down).

Grammar Patterns

~을/를 ~로 폄하하다 ~하는 것을 폄하하다

Quick Quiz

상대방의 의견을 무조건 ( )하기보다는 경청하는 자세가 필요하다.

Correct!

The correct answer is: 폄하

More academic words

분석하다

B2

To examine something in detail to understand its nature or structure. In an academic context, it refers to breaking down complex information into smaller parts to interpret data or theories.

현상

B2

A fact or situation that is observed to exist or happen, especially one whose cause or explanation is in question. Used frequently to describe social or natural occurrences.

감소하다

B2

To become smaller in size, amount, or number. It is the direct opposite of '증가하다' and essential for describing downward trends.

중요성

B2

The state or fact of being of great significance or value. Frequently used in introductions of academic essays to justify the topic.

해결책

B2

A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation. Essential for 'Problem and Solution' type essays in IELTS.

환경

B2

The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. It can refer to the natural world or social/work conditions.

발생하다

B2

To come into existence or experience; to happen. Used for events, problems, or natural phenomena in formal contexts.

차이

B2

A point or way in which people or things are not the same; difference. Essential for 'Compare and Contrast' essays.

자원

B2

A stock or supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively. Often refers to natural or human resources.

다양성

B2

The state of being diverse; variety. It often refers to cultural, biological, or ideological differences within a group or system.

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