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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

It resulted from several interdependent factors: unstable defense budgets, overly optimistic assumptions about how long wars will last, shrinking production capacity, and restrictions on allied manufacturing.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

He’s made one genuinely optimistic film, 2015’s “The Martian,” which also happens to be his biggest box office success.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

Ed Yardeni, who was recently called the most bullish man on Wall Street by a Bloomberg anchor, keeps getting more optimistic about the stock market.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026

She added that he was being "very optimistic in the fact that he is going to rely on the Irish government to work lockstep with the British government".

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

At the door, she gave a last bit of optimistic advice.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith