To Underestimate: Nameru vs Anadoru 舐める vs 侮る


Other than one being to lick, any difference between the 2 for
underestimating?




舐める is slangy and should be avoided in very formal contexts. Its meaning is
closer to "to look down" rather than "to underestimate." 舐める often also has a
connotation of behaving disrespectfully/insolently to someone/something.

侮る is a relatively literary word and typically used in a set phrase "侮るなかれ" or
"侮ることなかれ". It's probably safer than 舐める, but still has a connotation of making
light of something/someone.

過小評価する is a neutral and politically safer word for "to underestimate," which
does not imply any disrespectful attitude.




舐める is slangy and should be avoided in very formal contexts. Its meaning is
closer to "to look down" rather than "to underestimate." 舐める often also has a
connotation of behaving disrespectfully/insolently to someone/something.

侮る is a relatively literary word and typically used in a set phrase "侮るなかれ" or
"侮ることなかれ". It's probably safer than 舐める, but still has a connotation of making
light of something/someone.

過小評価する is a neutral and politically safer word for "to underestimate," which
does not imply any disrespectful attitude.

