upbeat

[ uhp-beet ]

noun

, Music.

1. an unaccented beat, especially immediately preceding a downbeat.
2. the upward stroke with which a conductor indicates such a beat.

adjective

1. optimistic; happy; cheerful:

   television dramas with predictably upbeat endings.

upbeat

/ ˈʌpˌbiːt /

noun

1. music
   1. a usually unaccented beat, esp the last in a bar
   2. the upward gesture of a conductor's baton indicating this Compare downbeat
2. an upward trend (in prosperity, etc)

adjective

1. informal.
   marked by cheerfulness or optimism

Word History and Origins

Origin of upbeat¹

1865–70; 1950–55 upbeat fordef 3; up- + beat

Example Sentences

She is off to meet her daughter and feels a bit more upbeat than Anna.

From BBC

The routine is playful, upbeat and inventive — a springy thrill.

From New York Times

And to me, it was startling to see that in this fantastical world, even given the sort of upbeat nature of musical theater.

From Los Angeles Times

USA Network had gained traction with its “Blue Skies” programming strategy: sunny and upbeat TV programs infused with a buoyant energy and natural light.

From Los Angeles Times

Analysts at venture capital firm Andreeseen Horowitz, one of the biggest crypto donors in the latest election cycle, are also upbeat about the industry's future.

From Salon

Related Words

• buoyant
• cheery
• encouraging
• happy
• hopeful
• optimistic
• positive
• rosy
• sanguine