pessimism

/ˈpesɪmɪzəm/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈpesɪmɪzəm/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈpe-sə-ˌmi-zəm also ˈpe-zə-/ (ame, mw)

pessimism — noun

1. the habit of expecting poor results and paying more attention to what may go wro

1.名詞C1
釋義

the habit of expecting poor results and paying more attention to what may go wrong than to what may go well

例句

Kemi's pessimism after the first exam spread through the study group.

pattern: pessimism after a setback

The coach warned that public pessimism could weaken the team's confidence.

collocation: public pessimism

同義詞
  • negativity

    broader; often refers to critical speech or attitude, not only expecting bad results

  • gloom

    focuses more on a dark mood or sadness than on judgment

  • defeatism

    stronger; suggests giving up because success seems unlikely

反義詞
  • optimism

    the general habit of expecting good results

  • hopefulness

    often warmer and more emotional than a general outlook

用法筆記

Usually uncountable. It often describes a lasting outlook or a group's mood rather than one brief moment of doubt.

常見錯誤

❌Her pessimism made the students sad because she was realistic.
✅Her pessimism made the students sad because she expected the plan to fail.
💡'realism' means seeing things as they are; 'pessimism' means expecting a worse result.