optimism

American  

[op-tuh-miz-uhm] / ˈɒp təˌmɪz əm /

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.

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optimism British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• antioptimism noun
• optimist noun
• optimistic adjective
• optimistically adverb
• overoptimism noun

Etymology

Origin of optimism

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

Example Sentences

For other colleagues, Moshiri’s optimism could also be read as naiveté.

From The Wall Street Journal

He says he isn’t, but his optimism is guarded: “Our constitutional structure is still the greatest inheritance that anybody’s ever received.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The dictator opened a major party congress with a weapons display and a declaration of optimism.

From The Wall Street Journal

The stock has fallen 31% over the past three months as optimism around its previous earnings report was overtaken by concern about AI hitting the software sector more generally.

From Barron's

Ice loss is accelerating as the planet warms, and the extreme heat of the past three years -- the hottest ever recorded -- offers little reason for optimism.

From Barron's

Related Words

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