Trivia Time

Which fictional work famously satirizes the philosophical idea behind the word optimistic?

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optimistic

American  

[op-tuh-mis-tik] / ˌɒp təˈmɪs tɪk /

Sometimes optimistical

adjective

1. 

   disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.

2. reflecting a favorable view of events and conditions and the expectation of a positive outcome; demonstrating optimism.

   an optimistic plan.

3. of or relating to optimism.

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Other Word Forms

• antioptimistic
  adjective
• antioptimistical
  adjective
• nonoptimistic
  adjective
• nonoptimistical
  adjective
• overoptimistic
  adjective
• preoptimistic
  adjective
• semioptimistic
  adjective
• superoptimistic
  adjective
• unoptimistic
  adjective
• unoptimistical
  adjective
• antioptimistically
  adverb
• nonoptimistically
  adverb
• optimistically
  adverb
• overoptimistically
  adverb
• semioptimistically
  adverb
• unoptimistically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of optimistic

First recorded in 1840–50; optimist + -ic

Explanation

An optimistic person thinks the best possible thing will happen, and hopes for it even if it's not likely. Someone who's a tad too confident this way is also sometimes called optimistic. If you see the glass as half-full when others see it as half-empty; if you look on the bright side of things, you're optimistic. If the chain falls off your rusty old bicycle, a tire goes flat, the frame cracks down the middle, the seat keeps twisting around, and you say, "But look! The little bell still works — I'm sure this bike will be fine," you're being very optimistic, though some might venture to call you "delusional."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

optimistic

Something different and far more optimistic is emerging at the University of Chicago, including a new, AI-adapted core curriculum.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026

Pushed on whether it bothers her that people who create jobs and pay a lot of tax were leaving the UK, the minister said she was "optimistic about our country's prospects".

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026

Karbasfrooshan is optimistic he has generated enough interest to pull all that capital together, but he spoke this week with a sports investment banker in the hope of “turning that interest into commitments.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026

While the company and its CEO had made optimistic predictions of growth, Tesla offers its robotaxi service in just six cities across Texas and Florida, along with supervised trips in San Francisco.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 17, 2026

“Well, we have to get Daddy first,” he said, trying to sound optimistic even though they were dangling helplessly in a spider’s lair.

From "Gregor the Overlander" by Suzanne Collins