pessimism — A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpesɪmɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- My friend's pessimism is so strong that he brings an umbrella to beach parties in case it rains disappointment.
- The financial advisor's pessimism helped clients prepare for market downturns.
- Her pessimism about dating apps was confirmed when her match turned out to be her ex-boyfriend's pet goldfish.
pessimism
NOUN[/ˈpesɪmɪzəm/]
A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen
His constant pessimism turned every sunny picnic into a rain forecast.
Pessimism fuels criticism that breaks the mechanism
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin pessimus (worst), the term was formulated as a philosophical concept in the 18th century, notably by French philosopher Voltaire in response to Leibniz's theodicy of the 'best of all possible worlds.' It emerged as a formal philosophical doctrine opposing optimism.
Breakdown
pessimus (Latin: worst, superlative of malus) + -ism (doctrine, belief system). The suffix -ism transforms the Latin adjective into an abstract noun denoting a philosophical position.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My friend's pessimism is so strong that he brings an umbrella to beach parties in case it rains disappointment.”
“The financial advisor's pessimism helped clients prepare for market downturns.”
“Her pessimism about dating apps was confirmed when her match turned out to be her ex-boyfriend's pet goldfish.”
“The team's pessimism turned into determination after the coach's inspiring speech.”
📚Related Words
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