pessimistic

/,pesi'mistik/

Thân thiện

A student feels pessimistic about the upcoming exam results.

Definition

Adjective 1. Expecting the worst possible outcome: Having or showing a tendency to believe that bad things are more likely to happen than good things; focusing on the negative aspects of a situation. 2. Characterized by a lack of hope or confidence in the future: Reflecting a general belief that the world or a specific situation is inherently bad or will lead to unfavorable results.

Usage

The adjective "pessimistic" is used to describe a person's attitude, outlook, prediction, or view. It is the opposite of "optimistic." * It is typically followed by the preposition "about" when specifying the subject of concern. * It can be used attributively (before a noun) or predicatively (after a linking verb like "be," "seem," "become").

Examples

• Attributive use (before a noun):
  • She has a pessimistic view of the company's future.
  • His pessimistic forecast about the economy proved to be accurate.
• Predicative use (after a linking verb):
  • Don't be so pessimistic; things might improve.
  • I am pessimistic about our chances of winning.
  • The report seems overly pessimistic.

Advanced Usage

• Philosophical Pessimism: In a philosophical context, pessimism is a belief that the world is fundamentally bad or that life is not worth living. A pessimistic philosopher might argue that suffering outweighs happiness.
  • The writer was influenced by the pessimistic philosophy of Schopenhauer.
• Qualifying Degree: The word can be modified by adverbs to indicate intensity (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Pessimism (noun): The general tendency or philosophy of being pessimistic.
  • His constant pessimism brings down the team's morale.
• Pessimist (noun): A person who tends to be pessimistic.
  • She's a born pessimist who always expects the worst.
• Pessimistically (adverb): In a pessimistic manner.
  • He sighed pessimistically while reviewing the data.

Synonyms

• Gloomy
• Negative
• Cynical
• Defeatist
• Hopeless
• Downbeat

Antonyms

• Optimistic
• Hopeful
• Positive
• Sanguine
• Upbeat

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To take a pessimistic view (of something): To consider or interpret a situation with a focus on its potential negative outcomes.
  • Analysts are taking a pessimistic view of the new policy's impact.
• A voice of pessimism: Someone who consistently expresses negative or doubtful opinions.
  • Amidst the planning, he was the lone voice of pessimism.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. expecting the worst possible outcome