The correct answer is: A. Diminish
To belittle someone or something is to make them seem less important or valuable than they really are. This can be done in a number of ways, such as by making fun of them, criticizing them unfairly, or simply ignoring them.
The other options are all synonyms of belittle, but they each have a slightly different meaning.
- Mock: to make fun of someone or something in a way that is cruel or disrespectful.
- Disparage: to speak about someone or something in a way that shows that you think they are not important or valuable.
- Scoff: to express contempt or disbelief by laughing or making a rude noise.
All of these words can be used to describe how someone might belittle another person or something they value. However, the word “diminish” is the most general and can be used to describe any action that makes something seem less important or valuable.