optimist

[op-tuh-mist]

noun

1. an optimistic person.

2. a person who holds the belief or the doctrine of optimism.

Other Word Forms

• antioptimist noun
• overoptimist noun
• superoptimist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of optimist¹

First recorded in 1760–70; from French optimiste, from Latin optim(um) ( optimum ) + French -iste -ist

Example Sentences

The firm isn’t the only optimist when it comes to next year.

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So far, the optimists appear to be winning.

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The short answer to that second question was: the optimists.

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She teared up recounting her father's condition, describing how he remained "an optimist" in a recent letter.

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"I'm an optimist. I have to be, because this sector is very painful at times."

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Related Words

• dreamer 
• idealist