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pessimism

Pronunciation: /ˈpɛsɪmɪz(ə)m/
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Definition of pessimism

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen:the dispute cast an air of deep pessimism over the future of the peace talks
  • 2 Philosophy a belief that this world is as bad as it could be or that evil will ultimately prevail over good.

Derivatives

pessimist

noun

Origin:

late 18th century: from Latin pessimus 'worst', on the pattern of optimism

pessimism in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of pessimism in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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