What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pessimism
Example
His pessimism about the economy led him to sell all his stocks. [pessimism: noun]
Example
She was pessimistic about her chances of getting the job. [pessimistic: adjective]
gloom
Example
The news of the pandemic brought a sense of gloom to the entire city. [gloom: noun]
Example
The sky was filled with dark clouds, adding to the gloomy atmosphere. [gloomy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pessimism is more commonly used than gloom in everyday language. Pessimism is a common attitude or belief that people may express in various contexts, while gloom is less common and often used to describe a temporary emotional state or atmosphere.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pessimism and gloom?
Both pessimism and gloom are typically associated with a negative or informal tone. However, pessimism can be used in formal contexts such as academic or professional writing, while gloom is more commonly used in informal or creative writing.
