Pessimism is the tendency to see the glass as half empty.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a negative view of the future.
- Often used to describe a person's personality.
- The opposite of optimism.
Overview
- 1概述：悲观（pessimism）是一种心理状态或态度，指个体倾向于预期消极的结果，或者认为事情会向坏的方向发展。它与乐观（optimism）相对。2) 用法模式：在中文里，“悲观”既可以作为形容词使用（如“他很悲观”），也可以作为名词使用（如“这种悲观情绪正在蔓延”）。它常与“情绪”、“态度”、“看法”等词搭配。3) 常见语境：常用于评价一个人的性格（悲观主义者）、讨论对经济或局势的预测（悲观的预期），以及在面对挫折时表达内心的灰暗感受。4) 近义词辨析：“悲观”侧重于对未来的不确定感和消极预期；“消极”侧重于行动上的不主动、不进取；“沮丧”则更多指因失败而产生的短期情绪低落。
Examples
他是一个悲观的人，总觉得事情会失败。
everydayHe is a pessimistic person who always thinks things will fail.
专家对明年的经济增长持悲观态度。
formalExperts hold a pessimistic view on next year's economic growth.
别那么悲观，一切都会好起来的。
informalDon't be so pessimistic, everything will be fine.
这种悲观主义哲学在当时影响深远。
academicThis philosophy of pessimism had a profound influence at that time.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
悲观失望
pessimistic and disappointed
盲目悲观
blindly pessimistic
Often Confused With
Refers to lack of action or initiative, whereas '悲观' refers specifically to the mental expectation of bad outcomes.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use '悲观' to describe outlooks and expectations. It is formal enough for business reports but common in casual conversation. Always pair it with '态度' or '情绪' for better flow.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse it with '消极'. Remember that '悲观' is about the 'mind' (thoughts), while '消极' is about the 'action' (doing).
Tips
Use with emotional nouns
Combine '悲观' with words like '情绪' (mood) or '态度' (attitude) to sound more natural. For example, '悲观情绪' is a very common professional phrase.
Avoid overusing in interviews
Be careful when using this word in job interviews. Describing yourself as '悲观' might suggest a lack of resilience to potential employers.
Cultural focus on positivity
Chinese culture often values '积极向上' (positive and upward-looking). Being labeled as '悲观' is generally seen as a trait that needs improvement.
Word Origin
The word comes from the combination of '悲' (sorrow/sadness) and '观' (view/perspective), literally meaning a perspective of sorrow.
Cultural Context
In Chinese society, being '乐观' is highly encouraged. '悲观' is often seen as a hurdle to personal growth or success.
Memory Tip
Think of '悲' (sad) + '观' (view). You are viewing the world through a sad lens.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“悲观”主要指心态和对未来的看法，是心理层面的；“消极”更多指行为上的不主动、不配合，侧重于行动层面。
你可以说他是一个“悲观主义者”，或者说他“总是往坏处想”。
它通常被视为一种中性的心理描述，但在职场或积极的社交场合中，表现得过于悲观通常会被认为是不受欢迎的。
可以。作为形容词时，它是程度形容词，可以说“很悲观”、“非常悲观”。
Test Yourself
面对困难，我们不应该感到___，而要积极寻找解决办法。
根据上下文，应该填入与积极相反的词。
Score: /1
Summary
Pessimism is the tendency to see the glass as half empty.
- Refers to a negative view of the future.
- Often used to describe a person's personality.
- The opposite of optimism.
Use with emotional nouns
Combine '悲观' with words like '情绪' (mood) or '态度' (attitude) to sound more natural. For example, '悲观情绪' is a very common professional phrase.
Avoid overusing in interviews
Be careful when using this word in job interviews. Describing yourself as '悲观' might suggest a lack of resilience to potential employers.
Cultural focus on positivity
Chinese culture often values '积极向上' (positive and upward-looking). Being labeled as '悲观' is generally seen as a trait that needs improvement.
Examples
4 of 4他是一个悲观的人，总觉得事情会失败。
He is a pessimistic person who always thinks things will fail.
专家对明年的经济增长持悲观态度。
Experts hold a pessimistic view on next year's economic growth.
别那么悲观，一切都会好起来的。
Don't be so pessimistic, everything will be fine.
这种悲观主义哲学在当时影响深远。
This philosophy of pessimism had a profound influence at that time.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
佩服
B1To admire; to respect.
