glass is half full, the
A person views the situation optimistically or hopefully. For example, Betty was not upset by the last-minute change, since it gave her extra time—she always sees the glass as half full. The opposite—that is, the pessimistic view—is put as the glass is half empty. Also see bright side.
MORE ABOUT THE GLASS IS HALF FULL
What does the glass is half full mean?
The glass is half full is a phrase used to describe a person as being an optimist, meaning they view things hopefully or positively, as in Shira always sees the glass as half full and nothing ever seems to bring her down.
The phrase the glass is half full very often goes hand in hand with the opposite phrase the glass is half empty. The glass is half empty describes someone as being a pessimist, viewing things negatively or expecting the worst. You may have people ask you if you see the (metaphorical) glass as half full or half empty to see if you are an optimist or a pessimist.
Example: I think things will always turn out fine, so you could say that I always see the glass as half full.
Where does the glass is half full come from?
It is unknown when the glass is half full first emerged, but it is now a common phrase.
The glass is half full and the glass is half empty are based on a simple thought experiment in which you’re asked to describe a drinking glass that has a 50:50 air-to-water ratio. Literally, the phrases the glass is half full and the glass is half empty are both correct. However, your choice between full and empty is thought to reflect your outlook on the world.
The glass is half full is seen to be a positive description because the word full implies that the situation will get better because someone will eventually fill up the rest of the glass. A person who says that the glass is half full has a positive outlook and is looking at the bright side of things.
Did you know … ?
What are some synonyms for the glass is half full?
What are some words that share a root or word element with the glass is half full?
What are some words that often get used in discussing the glass is half full?
How is the glass is half full used in real life?
The glass is half full is a very common phrase used to describe someone as an optimist or to express an optimistic belief.
My ridiculously optimistic, painfully cheery, "glass is half full" self is forced to finally concede that 2020 is a hot mess.
— Yolanda Pierce, PhD (@YNPierce) July 21, 2020
Trying to be glass is half full right now:
I haven’t received an annoying out of office reply in like 3 months
— Ben Carlson (@awealthofcs) June 26, 2020
It’s not that hard to be happy and positive when you surround yourself with positive and happy people! I’d rather be around 2 people that think the glass is half full instead of 10 people who think it’s half empty
— Dalton Willmann (@DW__17) June 26, 2020
Try using the glass is half full!
True or False?
The glass is half full is used to refer to a person who always looks on the bright side and sees the positives.