optimism

American  

[op-tuh-miz-uhm] / ˈɒp təˌmɪz əm /

noun

1. 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

   Antonyms:

   cynicism, pessimism

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

   Antonyms:

   cynicism, pessimism

3. the belief that goodness pervades reality.

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

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optimism British  

/ ˈɒptɪˌmɪzəm /

noun

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

2. hopefulness; confidence

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

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

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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) ( 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.

Example Sentences

Economist Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, shares Warsh’s optimism about AI’s productivity-boosting potential, but reaches the opposite conclusion about what it means for interest rates.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

But there was also an element of optimism, with some Zambians pleased that conversations about race were slowly becoming more common.

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

U.S. stock futures fell, mirroring losses in Asia and Europe, as Wall Street’s optimism is starting to dim.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

And, while I typically follow the side of optimism, I question whether the nation has the will to bring this honorable trait back, front and center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

These reminders of the yellow fever did not shake the spirit of optimism that gripped the city.

From "An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793" by Jim Murphy

Related Words

• anticipation
• certainty
• confidence
• elation
• enthusiasm
• expectation
• happiness
• idealism
• trust