What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nihilistic
Example
The protagonist in the novel had a nihilistic outlook on life, believing that nothing mattered. [nihilistic: adjective]
Example
The philosopher argued that nihilism was the only logical conclusion to the question of the meaning of life. [nihilism: noun]
pessimistic
Example
She had a pessimistic view of the world, always expecting the worst. [pessimistic: adjective]
Example
The team's coach was criticized for his pessimism about their chances of winning the championship. [pessimism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pessimistic is more commonly used than nihilistic in everyday language. Pessimistic is a more versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of negative attitudes, while nihilistic is a more specific term that is often associated with philosophical or intellectual discussions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nihilistic and pessimistic?
Nihilistic is a more formal and intellectual term than pessimistic, which is more commonly used in informal contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or academic writing depending on the context.
