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.
-
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
-
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.
He attributed his optimism to a guarantee that the new talks would pick up where the previous round left off and of greater EU involvement.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
“And that’s gonna give us more chances to win. That’s where my optimism comes from.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
Overall, the pattern of responses from advisers paints a picture of frothy optimism at a high level, coupled with a fundamental concern about the implications of policy on financial security.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
The 35-year-old is keen on moving to Stamford Bridge and there is optimism from Chelsea's side that a deal can be concluded.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
Both sides were hoping for a plea bargain, but as time went on Jasmine’s shining optimism faded.
From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater
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.
