How to pronounce optimism
Say it like OP-tuh-miz-um. Optimism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce optimism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OP
- tuh
- miz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Optimism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- mizGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of optimism
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OP-tih-miz-um.
What does optimism mean?
- the optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well
- a general disposition to expect the best in all things
Where does optimism come from?
From French optimisme, equivalent to Latin optimus + -ism.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying optimism
How do you pronounce optimism?
Say OP-tuh-miz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑptəˌmɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈɒptɪˌmɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in optimism?
Optimism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OP). Broken into parts: OP · tuh · miz · um.
Is optimism pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈɒptɪˌmɪzəm/ (OP-tih-miz-um).