optimism
Americannoun
-
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
-
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
-
the tendency to expect the best and see the best in all things
-
hopefulness; confidence
-
the doctrine of the ultimate triumph of good over evil
-
the philosophical doctrine that this is the best of all possible worlds
Other Word Forms
- antioptimism noun
- optimist noun
- optimistic adjective
- optimistically adverb
- overoptimism noun
Etymology
Origin of optimism
First recorded in 1730–40; from French optimisme, from Latin optim(um) ( optimum ) + French -isme -ism
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.
“As we’ve expressed previously, the very reason for our optimism about a cessation of hostilities is that it would not require a comprehensive peace agreement — with mutual restraint instead being sufficient,” Bishop said.
From MarketWatch
“As we’ve expressed previously, the very reason for our optimism about a cessation of hostilities is that it would not require a comprehensive peace agreement — with mutual restraint instead being sufficient,” Bishop said.
From MarketWatch
Catastrophe and fear of the unknown sell better than optimism and serendipity.
But, amid justified optimism that the famous Green Jacket might remain in UK hands, it would be foolish to ignore what has also been happening on the breakaway LIV Tour.
From BBC
What was shaping up to be a dismal day for major world economies was left with a glimmer of optimism.
From BBC
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.
