pessimism
PES-uh-miz-uhm
/ˈpɛs.ɪ.mɪ.zəm/
A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
Focuses on negative expectations and outcomes rather than the total denial of existence or values.
The story behind the word. Coined in the 18th century as the antithesis to optimism, pessimism comes from the Latin superlative 'pessimus', meaning 'worst'. Philosophy took it up seriously through Arthur Schopenhauer, who argued that suffering is the primary condition of existence.
Word relationships
- gloominess: Gloominess refers to a dark mood or atmosphere, whereas pessimism is an intellectual disposition regarding bad outcomes.
- defeatism: Defeatism is an acceptance of failure before trying, whereas pessimism is the expectation that things will turn out badly.
- optimism: Optimism is the expectation that good things will happen, directly opposing pessimism.
Commonly confused with
- fatalism: Pessimism expects bad results, while fatalism believes all events are predetermined regardless of human effort.
Word family
- pessimist (noun): A person who tends to see the worst aspect of things.
- pessimistic (adjective): Tending to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen.
Collocations
- deep pessimism
- economic pessimism
- widespread pessimism
- give way to pessimism
Idioms & expressions
- glass half empty
Example sentences
- "Growing economic turmoil led to widespread pessimism regarding future job prospects across the nation." Economic Commentary
- "Schopenhauer's philosophy is often cited as the definitive example of systematic metaphysical pessimism." Philosophical History
Memory hook
PESSIMISM comes from 'pessimus' (worst), just like OPTIMISM comes from 'optimus' (best). Pessimism expects the worst.
When not to use
Avoid using it to describe total philosophical rejection of value; use 'nihilism' for that specific claim.
Fun facts
- The word was originally invented by critics of Samuel Richardson's 1748 novel 'Clarissa' to describe its remarkably dark tone.
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