How do you pronounce "pessimism"?

In American English: /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/ (PEHS-uh-miz-uhm). In British English: /pˈɛsɪmˌɪzəm/ (P-ehs-im-iz). In Canadian English: /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/ (PEHS-uh-miz-uhm). In Australian English: /pˈɛsɪmˌɪzəm/ (P-ehs-im-iz).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/ (PEHS-uh-miz-uhm), while in British English it's /pˈɛsɪmˌɪzəm/ (P-ehs-im-iz).

How to Pronounce "pessimism"

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pessimism

regional

/ˈpɛsəˌmɪzəm/

PEHS-uh-miz-uhm

Syllable Breakdown

pɛsp·əes·mɪzsim·əmism

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14