How do you pronounce "optimism"?

In American English: /ˈɑːptɪˌmɪzəm/ (AHPT-i-miz-uhm). In British English: /ˈɒptɪmˌɪzəm/ (OPT-im-iz-uhm). In Canadian English: /ˈɑːptɪˌmɪzəm/ (AHPT-i-miz-uhm). In Australian English: /ˈɒptɪmˌɪzəm/ (OPT-im-iz-uhm).

Is "optimism" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈɑːptɪˌmɪzəm/ (AHPT-i-miz-uhm), while in British English it's /ˈɒptɪmˌɪzəm/ (OPT-im-iz-uhm).

How to Pronounce "optimism"

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optimism

regional

/ˈɑːptɪˌmɪzəm/

AHPT-i-miz-uhm

Syllable Breakdown

ɑːptop·ɪti·mɪzmi·əmsm

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14