optimist

[ op-tuh-mist ]

noun

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

Other Words From

• anti·opti·mist noun adjective
• over·opti·mist noun
• super·opti·mist 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

"So, there is something to build from, but I am an eternal optimist anyway - you have to be, because you are not going to change your team."

From BBC

Research comparing optimists and defensive pessimists has often found similar benefits, although pessimists tend to have a less enjoyable journey towards achieving outcomes, Sirois added.

From Salon

Some optimists hope that he might want to create a moment akin to President Nixon’s sensational visit to China in 1972 by reaching out to Iran.

From BBC

Eternal optimists hope Wales can somehow defy the form guide by producing a minor miracle and help alleviate the dark days of Welsh rugby.

From BBC

“Demography,” these left-wing optimists liked to say, “is destiny.”

From BBC

Related Words

• dreamer
• idealist