upbeat

American  

[uhp-beet] / ˈʌpˌbit /

noun

Music.

1. an unaccented beat, especially immediately preceding a downbeat.

2. the upward stroke with which a conductor indicates such a beat.

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adjective

1. optimistic; happy; cheerful.

   television dramas with predictably upbeat endings.

upbeat British  

/ ˈʌpˌbiːt /

noun

1. music

   1. a usually unaccented beat, esp the last in a bar

   2. the upward gesture of a conductor's baton indicating this Compare downbeat

2. an upward trend (in prosperity, etc)

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adjective

1. informal marked by cheerfulness or optimism

Etymology

Origin of upbeat

1865–70; 1950–55 upbeat for def. 3; up- + beat

Example Sentences

The mood on the convention floor was noticeably more upbeat than a year ago, when the spectre of tariffs cast clouds over the event.

From The Wall Street Journal

While results were largely mixed, an upbeat 2026 outlook appeared to be giving shares a boost.

From Barron's

After the skate that vaulted her into medal contention, Petrosian sounded upbeat.

From The Wall Street Journal

Asian stocks mostly rose Wednesday, while the oil market was cautious after prices dropped in the wake of Tehran's upbeat response during talks with US officials on Iran's nuclear programme.

From Barron's

Retail earnings season is just getting under way, which could provide an additional near-term boost if companies deliver upbeat guidance.

From Barron's

Related Words

• buoyant
• cheery
• encouraging
• happy
• hopeful
• optimistic
• positive
• rosy
• sanguine