How to pronounce pessimal
Say it like PES-ih-mul. Pessimal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pessimal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PES
- ih
- mul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pessimal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- mulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pessimal
American and British speakers say pessimal in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛsɪməl/ in the US and /ˈpɛsɪməl/ in the UK.
British respelling: PES-ih-mul.
What does pessimal mean?
- Bad to a maximal extent; worst.
Where does pessimal come from?
From Latin pessimus (“worst”) + -al, modeled on optimal.
Words that rhyme with pessimal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pessimal.
Questions about saying pessimal
How do you pronounce pessimal?
Say PES-ih-mul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛsɪməl/. In British English it is /ˈpɛsɪməl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pessimal?
Pessimal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PES). Broken into parts: PES · ih · mul.
Do Americans and Brits say pessimal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛsɪməl/ and the British form is /ˈpɛsɪməl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.