optimist

[op-tuh-mist]

noun

1. an optimistic person.

2. a person who holds the belief or the doctrine of optimism.

Other Word Forms

• antioptimist noun
• overoptimist noun
• superoptimist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of optimist¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from French optimiste, from Latin optim(um) ( optimum ) + French -iste -ist

Example Sentences

He describes himself as a “long-term optimist but a short-term pessimist.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The optimists predict strong returns for stocks through the end of next year.

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An optimist would say the market overreacted and now it’s time to get on with our lives.

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Nonetheless, Anderson is a self-described optimist, confident that better things can be built.

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Despite the risks ahead in a hugely challenging negotiation, optimists are already hoping that an end of the war in Gaza might kickstart a new era in the Middle East.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• dreamer 
• idealist