optimism

[ op-tuh-miz-uhm ]

noun

1. a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

   Synonyms: cheerfulness, hopefulness, confidence

   Antonyms: cynicism, pessimism

2. the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.

   Antonyms: cynicism, pessimism

3. the belief that goodness pervades reality.
4. the doctrine that the existing world is the best of all possible worlds.

optimism

/ ˈɒptɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

1. the tendency to expect the best and see the best in all things
2. hopefulness; confidence
3. the doctrine of the ultimate triumph of good over evil
4. the philosophical doctrine that this is the best of all possible worlds

Derived Forms

• ˈoptimist, noun
• ˌoptiˈmistically, adverb
• ˌoptiˈmistic, adjective

Other Words From

• anti·opti·mism noun
• over·opti·mism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of optimism¹

First recorded in 1730–40; from French optimisme, from Latin optim(um) ( optimum ) + French -isme -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of optimism¹

C18: from French optimisme, from Latin optimus best, superlative of bonus good

Example Sentences

“What I extrapolated was this sort of relentless optimism that comes across in their voice. There’s nothing ever wrong and everything is solvable.”

From Los Angeles Times

Four years later, at an unusual moment of national optimism, a whopping 62 percent expressed satisfaction—but George W. Bush beat incumbent Vice President Al Gore anyway.

From Salon

But a tough opening to his tenure, which included two heavy defeats by Belgium and four-goal loss in Russia, quelled optimism.

From BBC

To some, he is the face of economic mismanagement, but the vice-president retains some of the optimism he held when he was a 44-year-old embarking on an eight-year battle for power.

From BBC

For crypto advocates, the election has renewed optimism and created an opportunity for a more favorable regulatory environment.

From Salon

Related Words

• anticipation
• certainty
• confidence
• elation
• enthusiasm
• expectation
• happiness
• idealism
• trust