optimism
Americannoun
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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
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the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.
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the belief that goodness pervades reality.
-
the doctrine that the existing world is the best of all possible worlds.
noun
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the tendency to expect the best and see the best in all things
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hopefulness; confidence
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the doctrine of the ultimate triumph of good over evil
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the philosophical doctrine that this is the best of all possible worlds
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of optimism
First recorded in 1730–40; from French optimisme, from Latin optim(um) ( see optimum) + French -isme -ism
Explanation
Optimism is all about seeing the bright side of things. If you think it’s going to be a great day, even though the bills are due, you lost your wallet, and you forgot your lunch, then you're full of optimism. Optimism is expecting that the best will happen. It comes from the Latin word optimus, which means "best." Even if you don’t think the very best thing will always happen, if you're generally given to optimism, you think things will get better instead of worse. The opposite of optimism is pessimism, which is the expectation that everything will go wrong, or is wrong.
Vocabulary lists containing optimism
Words for a New Year
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Power Suffix: -ism
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Residents of hard-hit Pereira are still hoping for a miracle, but optimism is fading.
From Barron's ● Aug. 16, 2026
"But I think a lot of the reasons for optimism are still yet to be seen."
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
The scientists say there is reason for optimism because nonhuman primates and humans share important anatomical similarities.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 13, 2026
In a telling exchange, Garcia-Navarro asked the mayor about traits that make a good politician, and then she pointed to his smile and innate optimism.
From Salon ● Aug. 13, 2026
His optimism drained away, and he was suddenly angry with Jillson—stupid, lecturesome Jillson!—and not just Jillson, either, but...really, he was angry with just about everybody he could think of.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
