How to pronounce optimist
Say it like OP-tuh-mist. Optimist has three 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 optimist. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OP
- tuh
- mist
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Optimist 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.
- mistKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of optimist
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OP-tih-mist.
What does optimist mean?
- A person who expects a favorable outcome.
- A believer in optimism.
Where does optimist come from?
Borrowed from French optimiste.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying optimist
How do you pronounce optimist?
Say OP-tuh-mist. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑptəmɪst/. In British English it is /ˈɒptɪmɪst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in optimist?
Optimist has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OP). Broken into parts: OP · tuh · mist.
Is optimist 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 /ˈɒptɪmɪst/ (OP-tih-mist).