pessimismo

pessimism

noun pes-see-MEES-moh Rare

Origin: from Latin pessimus (worst)

Usage Note

Pessimismo is the direct counterpart of ottimismo. It is used both in philosophical contexts (Schopenhauer's pessimismo cosmico) and colloquially. Italians sometimes use the self-deprecating phrase sono un pessimista as a badge of realism rather than complaint.

Examples

"Il pessimismo non aiuta a risolvere i problemi."

Natural Translation

Pessimism does not help to solve problems.

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