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

Despite the risks ahead in a hugely challenging negotiation, optimists are already hoping that an end of the war in Gaza might kickstart a new era in the Middle East.

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“My advice is simple: Plan like a pessimist and travel like an optimist,” he said.

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The Ravens optimist says: OK, it’s early October.

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“I am an optimist, dummy that I am,” Anderson contends.

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Also among the optimists I spoke to was Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, one of the country's most senior black officials.

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Related Words

• dreamer 
• idealist