How to pronounce pessimism
Say it like PES-uh-miz-um. Pessimism has four 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 pessimism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PES
- uh
- miz
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pessimism 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.
- uhKeep 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 pessimism
American and British speakers say pessimism in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: PES-uh-miz-um.
What does pessimism mean?
- A general belief that bad things will happen.
- The doctrine that this world is the worst of all possible worlds.
- The condition of being pessimal.
Where does pessimism come from?
As a doctrine, from German Pessimismus as used by the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer in 1819.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying pessimism
How do you pronounce pessimism?
Say PES-uh-miz-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pessimism?
Pessimism has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PES). Broken into parts: PES · uh · miz · um.
Do Americans and Brits say pessimism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.