How to Pronounce Pessimistic

To pronounce "pessimistic", say PESS-im-ist-ic — 4 syllables, IPA /ˌpɛ.səˈmɪs.tɪk/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

pessimistic

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Accent

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4

Syllables

11

Letters

/ˌpɛ.səˈmɪs.tɪk/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “pessimistic”

"pessimistic" has 4 syllables: pess-im-ist-ic. It rhymes with altruistic and narcissistic, if that helps it stick.

What does pessimistic mean?

adjective

  1. Marked by pessimism and little hopefulness; expecting the worst.

    “a pessimistic view of the future”

  2. Pertaining to the worst-case scenario.

    “a pessimistic estimate”

Antonyms

optimistic

Hear “pessimistic” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with pessimistic

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

altruisticnarcissisticcharacteristicoptimisticantagonisticsadisticheuristicholisticartisticrealisticautistichedonistic

Related words

discourageddisheartenedbearishdemoralizedgrimgloomysombrepassive

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "pessimistic"?▾

"Pessimistic" has 4 syllables: pess · im · ist · ic.

What is the IPA transcription of "pessimistic"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pessimistic" is /ˌpɛ.səˈmɪs.tɪk/.

What does "pessimistic" mean?▾

Pessimistic: Marked by pessimism and little hopefulness; expecting the worst.

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