French word

pessimisme

Pronunciation

IPA/pesimizm/

Meaning

  • masculine nounpessimism

Example

Son pessimisme m'inquiète.

His pessimism worries me.

Illustration for pessimisme (pessimism)

More examples

Le pessimisme ambiant freine les projets.

The ambient pessimism is holding back projects.

Core concept

A mind that interprets situations darkly and expects the worst outcome.

Common phrases

  • pessimisme ambiant

    ambient pessimism

  • pessimisme généralisé

    widespread pessimism

  • pessimisme économique

    economic pessimism

Similar words

inquiétude: Worry and restlessness caused by fear that something bad may happen.
anxiété: Severe anxiety and tension causing emotional instability.
découragement: A feeling of lost courage that makes continued effort difficult.

Definition in French

Disposition à interpréter les situations de façon négative et à prévoir le pire.

Word origin

The French noun pessimisme came through German Pessimismus and ultimately rests on Latin pessimus, meaning "worst."

Usage tips

  • Pessimisme is masculine, so its usual article is le, as in le pessimisme.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word