The phrase "thinking too little of" can be spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ tu ˈlɪtəl əv/. The initial sound /θ/ is voiced with the tip of the tongue against the teeth, and the following sound /ɪ/ is pronounced with the mouth slightly open. The stress falls on the second syllable of "thinking" and the second syllable of "little." The final sound /əv/ is pronounced with a slight upward inflection, and the letter "e" in "little" is silent.
Thinking too little of something or someone refers to the act of not recognizing or valuing their true worth, importance, or capabilities. It conveys an attitude of underestimating or dismissing the significance or potential of a particular person, idea, action, or situation.
When someone thinks too little of something or someone, they tend to downplay their value, often neglecting to consider their positive attributes or potential contributions. This mindset might stem from prejudice, preconceived notions, lack of knowledge, or personal biases.
This expression can also imply a failure to appreciate the efforts, talents, or achievements of others, resulting in a lack of recognition or acknowledgment. It may involve undervaluing someone's intellectual or emotional capacities, dismissing their ideas as unimportant, or failing to consider their perspectives.
In relationships, thinking too little of a partner highlights a disregard for their feelings, needs, or desires. It often results in neglect, indifference, or even devaluation of the other person's contributions to the relationship.
Thinking too little of oneself involves having a low self-esteem or a lack of self-worth. This can lead to underestimating one's own abilities, settling for less than one deserves, or not pursuing opportunities due to a fear of failure or rejection.
Overall, thinking too little of something or someone prevents us from recognizing their true value, potentially leading to missed opportunities, decreased self-esteem, or strained relationships.