pessimism Hear it!

pessimism Definition

pes·si·mism (pes′ə miz′əm)

noun

  1. Philos.
    1. the doctrine or belief that the existing world is the worst possible
    2. the doctrine or belief that the evil in life outweighs the good
  2. the tendency to expect misfortune or the worst outcome in any circumstances; practice of looking on the dark side of things

Etymology: Fr pessimisme < L pessimus, worst, superl. of pejor, worse: see pejorative

pessimism Related Forms

pes′·si·mist noun

pessimism Synonyms

pessimism

n.

doubt, cynicism, hopelessness, nihilism, unhappiness, gloom, low spirits, despondency, melancholy, blighted hope, lack of expectation; see also depression 2, grief 1, sadness.

pessimism Usage Examples

Preposition: about

  • prospect: Lord St John spoke with deep pessimism about the prospects of the agreement being fully implemented.
  • nature: Hobbes and Cavendish shared pessimism about human nature, and an anxiety about ethical and linguistic relativism.
  • future: We will never know enough about the complex dynamics of our planet to justify a solid pessimism about the future.
  • Internet: Is Growing Pessimism about the Internet a Cause for Optimism?

Converse of object

  • express: It expresses a deep-seated pessimism about the potential of art to effect radical change.
  • grow: Nevertheless, Hill is exaggerating what he sees as Loach's growing pessimism.
  • reflect: Epitaphs reflect an almost universal pessimism about life beyond the grave.
  • justify: We will never know enough about the complex dynamics of our planet to justify a solid pessimism about the future.
  • share: Hobbes and Cavendish shared pessimism about human nature, and an anxiety about ethical and linguistic relativism.
  • generate: They have tended to generate pessimism, and words more than action.

Adjective modifier

  • profound: Such profound pessimism disables the power of Hudson's trenchant criticisms of Wired magazine.
  • extreme: The general mood of the Chinese petty bourgeoisie changed rapidly from extreme optimism to extreme pessimism.
  • deep: Indeed it does much to sustain the deepest pessimism.
  • cultural: Little House expertly tapped into this vein of cultural pessimism.
  • such: Is Gordon Brown the Labor leader to dispel such pessimism?
  • social: The lack of shared experiences means that Basildon Man finds his personal optimism transformed to social pessimism behind his back.

Noun used with modifier

knee-jerk: But there's a danger that once again the reaction will be a knee-jerk pessimism.

Preposition: of

  • intellect: Well Gramsci's ' pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will ' is always worth quoting.
  • will: I grant that left and moderate democratic socialists are entitled to feel a sort of pessimism of the will.