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
- 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.
A key reason for his optimism is that the company’s ultrahigh-net-worth target customer owns an average of 3.7 homes, while billionaires own 10, on average.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026
Authorities have expressed optimism that the soldiers' presence will make a difference this time around but Lamb is not completely convinced.
From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026
“Our positivism, our optimism, our hope in a better future is second to none. I think that’s what you’re seeing in those numbers, even as our community feels totally attacked.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
January’s home price data offers a baseline before recent mortgage rate hikes, reflecting a period of optimism and lower rates.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
It was a lovely thought, but hearing Arturo’s optimism bubble to the surface, hearing the rawness of it, was excruciating.
From "The Book of Unknown Americans" by Cristina Henríquez
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.
