Trivia Time

Which fictional work famously satirizes the philosophical idea behind the word optimistic?

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optimistic

American  

[op-tuh-mis-tik] / ˌɒp təˈmɪs tɪk /

Sometimes optimistical

adjective

1. disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

2. reflecting a favorable view of events and conditions and the expectation of a positive outcome; demonstrating optimism.

   an optimistic plan.

3. of or relating to optimism.

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Other Word Forms

• antioptimistic
  adjective
• antioptimistical
  adjective
• nonoptimistic
  adjective
• nonoptimistical
  adjective
• overoptimistic
  adjective
• preoptimistic
  adjective
• semioptimistic
  adjective
• superoptimistic
  adjective
• unoptimistic
  adjective
• unoptimistical
  adjective
• antioptimistically
  adverb
• nonoptimistically
  adverb
• optimistically
  adverb
• overoptimistically
  adverb
• semioptimistically
  adverb
• unoptimistically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of optimistic

First recorded in 1840–50; optimist + -ic

Explanation

An optimistic person thinks the best possible thing will happen, and hopes for it even if it's not likely. Someone who's a tad too confident this way is also sometimes called optimistic. If you see the glass as half-full when others see it as half-empty; if you look on the bright side of things, you're optimistic. If the chain falls off your rusty old bicycle, a tire goes flat, the frame cracks down the middle, the seat keeps twisting around, and you say, "But look! The little bell still works — I'm sure this bike will be fine," you're being very optimistic, though some might venture to call you "delusional."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

optimistic

Both countries were optimistic of a deal earlier in the week, but talks collapsed on Friday night after both sides accused the other of making last-minute changes.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026

This has been an ongoing theme for some time now but even the most optimistic CFOs and treasurers now forecast issuance scenarios that yields are unlikely to fall materially near-term.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026

“The reception was overly optimistic and creates expectations that we believe will be difficult to meet,” Graybosch wrote.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026

"I'm optimistic that we're all snowflakes in that snowball that's getting bigger and bigger."

From Barron's ● Aug. 19, 2026

For eight years, these optimistic young people—and a few seasoned professionals—had had our backs.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama