How do you pronounce "pessimistic"?

In American English: /ˌpɛsəˈmɪstɪk/ (pehs-uh-MIST-ik). In British English: /pˌɛsɪmˈɪstɪk/ (p-ehs-IM-ist). In Canadian English: /ˌpɛsəˈmɪstɪk/ (pehs-uh-MIST-ik). In Australian English: /pˌɛsɪmˈɪstɪk/ (p-ehs-IM-ist).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˌpɛsəˈmɪstɪk/ (pehs-uh-MIST-ik), while in British English it's /pˌɛsɪmˈɪstɪk/ (p-ehs-IM-ist).

How to Pronounce "pessimistic"

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pessimistic

regional

/ˌpɛsəˈmɪstɪk/

pehs-uh-MIST-ik

Syllable Breakdown

pɛspes·əsi·mɪstmi·ɪkstic

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14