What does pessimist mean?
Word: Pessimist
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Pessimist means a person who usually expects bad things to happen.
How do you spell pessimist?
Syllables: pes - si - mist
Tricky part: The double s is the trap. Spoken, it sounds like one letter, so pupils write pesimist.
Watch out for: pesimist, pessamist
Memory tip: A pessimist gives two long sighs before anything has even started. Let each sigh stand for one s.
Pessimist in a sentence
Example 1: Rohan is a pessimist who packs an umbrella even on sunny days.
Example 2: Even a pessimist would have to admit that the team played well today.
Example 3: Ask a pessimist about the exam and you will hear it went badly long before the results are out.
Fun Fact
The word comes from a Latin word meaning worst. An old saying claims that a pessimist sees a glass as half empty, while a cheerier friend sees the same glass as half full.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
pessimmist
a) t
b) m
c) i
d) s
Show answer
b) m. One of the letters in the last part has been written twice.
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word:
pessimist
a) cynic
b) worrier
c) optimist
d) defeatist
Show answer
c) optimist. This is the person who expects things to turn out well.
Mingle-Mangle
Form a meaningful word from the jumbled letters:
tsipesims
a) pessimist
b) pessimism
c) passivity
d) pacifist
Show answer
a) pessimist. The t rules out pessimism, and the missing a rules out the other two.
Spell-o-Spell
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) botanist
b) novelist
c) specailist
d) pessimist
Show answer
c) specailist. Specialist has its i before the a, as special does.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The forecast promises sunshine. What would a pessimist say?
a) This looks like a fine day out.
b) Let us pack a picnic for later.
c) I cannot wait to go outdoors.
d) It will rain the moment we leave.
Show answer
d) It will rain the moment we leave.
2. Which report comment points to a pessimist?
a) Always reaches school on time.
b) Shares her notes with everyone.
c) Asks questions in every lesson.
d) Expects to fail before trying.
Show answer
d) Expects to fail before trying.
