optimism

[ op-tuh-miz-uhm ]
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noun
  1. a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

  2. the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.

  1. the belief that goodness pervades reality.

  2. the doctrine that the existing world is the best of all possible worlds.

Origin of optimism

1
First recorded in 1730–40; from French optimisme, from Latin optim(um) (see optimum) + French -isme -ism

Other words for optimism

Opposites for optimism

Other words from optimism

  • an·ti·op·ti·mism, noun
  • o·ver·op·ti·mism, noun

Words Nearby optimism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use optimism in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for optimism

optimism

/ (ˈɒptɪˌmɪzəm) /


noun
  1. the tendency to expect the best and see the best in all things

  2. hopefulness; confidence

  1. the doctrine of the ultimate triumph of good over evil

  2. the philosophical doctrine that this is the best of all possible worlds

Origin of optimism

1
C18: from French optimisme, from Latin optimus best, superlative of bonus good

Derived forms of optimism

  • optimist, noun
  • optimistic or optimistical, adjective
  • optimistically, adverb

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