How to pronounce pessimist
Say it like PES-uh-must. Pessimist 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 pessimist. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PES
- uh
- must
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pessimist 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.
- mustKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pessimist
American and British speakers say pessimist in essentially the same way: /ˈpɛsəməst/ in the US and /ˈpɛsəməst/ in the UK.
British respelling: PES-uh-must.
What does pessimist mean?
- Someone who habitually expects the worst outcome; one who looks on the dark side of things.
Where does pessimist come from?
From French pessimiste, from Latin pessimus (“worst”) + -ist.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying pessimist
How do you pronounce pessimist?
Say PES-uh-must. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɛsəməst/. In British English it is /ˈpɛsəməst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pessimist?
Pessimist has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PES). Broken into parts: PES · uh · must.
Do Americans and Brits say pessimist the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpɛsəməst/ and the British form is /ˈpɛsəməst/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.