How to pronounce optimistic
Say it like op-tuh-MIS-tik. Optimistic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce optimistic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- op
- tuh
- MIS
- tik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Optimistic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- opGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- MISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of optimistic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: op-tih-MIS-tik.
What does optimistic mean?
- expecting the best in this best of all possible worlds“in an optimistic mood”“optimistic plans”
- expecting the best“an affirmative outlook”
Where does optimistic come from?
From optimist + -ic.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with optimistic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of optimistic.
Questions about saying optimistic
How do you pronounce optimistic?
Say op-tuh-MIS-tik. The American pronunciation is /ˌɑptəˈmɪstɪk/. In British English it is /ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in optimistic?
Optimistic has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (MIS). Broken into parts: op · tuh · MIS · tik.
Is optimistic 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 /ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/ (op-tih-MIS-tik).