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.
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the belief that goodness pervades reality.
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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
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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
Derived 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’s also let his hand get heavier, painting his optimism in broad, unmistakable strokes for anyone searching for something to hold onto in an increasingly divided and combative world outside the movie theater.
From Salon • Jun. 13, 2026
“We believe investor positioning remains very bullish given the dramatic share price run-up and optimism around the potential impact of long-term customer agreements,” Schneider wrote.
From Barron's • Jun. 12, 2026
Manager Dave Roberts had expressed optimism Thursday night, after the Dodgers’ 8-6 win against the Pirates at PNC Park, that Ohtani would not miss additional time for the ailment.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 12, 2026
SpaceX's valuation is largely based on optimism about its potential future earnings, as opposed to financial results it has demonstrated so far.
From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026
This is the trouble with optimism, you see: In excess, it makes even ridiculous ideas seem worth a try.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
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.
