B2nounpsychologyemotions
US/ˈpes.ə.mɪst/
UK/ˈpes.ɪ.mɪst/
a person who always expects bad things to happen and sees the negative side
In context
My brother is a pessimist; he always expects the worst to happen.
Don't be such a pessimist, we still have a chance of winning.
The optimist sees the glass half full, while the pessimist sees it half empty.
Words that go with pessimist
adjective + noun
- hopeless pessimistHe is a hopeless pessimist about his exam results.
- born pessimistMy grandmother was a born pessimist.
- confirmed pessimistAs a confirmed pessimist, she packed an umbrella in July.
noun + preposition
- pessimist at heartHe talks cheerfully, but he is a pessimist at heart.
- pessimist aboutShe is a pessimist about the economy.
noun + noun
- optimist and pessimistThe team has both an optimist and a pessimist.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He is pessimist.Correct: He is a pessimist.