Pessimism Meaning
/ˈpɛsɪmɪzəm/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA general belief that bad things will happen.
nounThe doctrine that this world is the worst of all possible worlds.
Sentence Examples
The article's tone was one of pessimism.
His pessimism depressed those around him.
Now that pessimism prevails, the executive will abandon the project.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
None
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her ____ led her to always expect the worst possible outcome in any situation.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His deep ____ about the future made it difficult for him to commit to any long-term plans.
Word Origin & History
From French pessimisme, from Latin pessimus (“worst”) + -ism, superlative of malus (“bad”). As a doctrine, from German Pessimismus as used by the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer in 1819.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"T2 isn’t as good as T1: it is a little too long and unwinds a bit into caper sentimentality, broad comedy and self-mythologising. But it has the same punchy energy, the same defiant pessimism, and there’s nothing around like it. This sequel was a high-wire act, but Boyle has made it to the other side."
— 2017 January 19, Peter Bradshaw, “T2 Trainspotting review – choose a sequel that doesn't disappoint”, in The Guardian:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
Her ____ led her to always expect the worst possible outcome in any situation.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His deep ____ about the future made it difficult for him to commit to any long-term plans.