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pessimism noun 1 the tendency to emphasize the gloomiest aspects of anything, and to expect the worst to happen. 2 the belief that this is the worst of all possible worlds, and that evil is triumphing over good. Compare optimism. pessimist noun 1 someone who has a sombre gloomy nature. 2 someone who follows the doctrine of pessimism. pessimistic adj. pessimistically adverb.
ETYMOLOGY: 18c: from Latin pessimus worst + -ism.
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Chambers Biographical Dictionary
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Consult Chambers 21st Century Dictionary, The Chambers Thesaurus (1996) or Chambers Biographical Dictionary (1997 edition with amendments). Enter your search and choose your title from the drop-down menu.
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