easy
The character showed pessimism in the story.
What does Pessimism mean?
a way of expecting bad outcomes.
Dictionary definition
A way of thinking that expects bad or disappointing outcomes.
Example sentences
Pessimism in a sentence
medium
In class, we talked about pessimism during a group discussion.
hard
Writers use words like pessimism to explain feelings and behavior more clearly.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice pessimism in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Pessimism
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does pessimism mean?
Pessimism means a way of expecting bad outcomes.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses pessimism correctly?
The correct sentence uses pessimism in a way that matches its meaning.
Practice 3
Which word is closest in meaning to pessimism?
Negativity is close in meaning to pessimism.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Pessimism
Voice settings
Sounds like
pes · uh · miz · uhm · strongest beat: pes
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPessimism.
Partnoun.
MeaningPessimism means a way of expecting bad outcomes.
ExampleExample: The character showed pessimism in the story.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- pes · uh · miz · uhm
- Strongest beat
- pes
- Ending
- uhm
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on pes.
Your turn
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Nice work—you practiced pessimism.
Synonyms
Words like Pessimism
negativitySimilar meaning.
doubtSimilar meaning.
Antonyms
Opposite words
optimismOpposite or contrasting meaning.
hopefulnessOpposite or contrasting meaning.
Synonym practice
Want to practice pessimism synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "His pessimism made him expect the plan to fail," then compare close word choices. Practice pessimism synonyms.
Word family
Pessimism word family
Related words
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Student support
Understand Pessimism
Hint for students
a way of expecting bad outcomes.
Common mix-up
Pessimism is not the same as optimism. Pessimism means a way of expecting bad outcomes.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: In class, we talked about pessimism during a group discussion. Clue words: class, talked, about. Underline clue words that show why pessimism fits instead of optimism. Now write one new sentence that shows pessimism without using the word pessimism. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show pessimism?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "In class, we talked about pessimism during a group discussion." Why does pessimism fit better than optimism?
Learning activities
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