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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate

optimist

OP-tih-mihst

Optimist (noun) means someone who habitually expects things to turn out well. Example: “Being an optimist, he assumed the delayed flight would still land on time.”

noun
1
Someone who habitually expects things to turn out well.
"Being an optimist, he assumed the delayed flight would still land on time."

How to use optimist

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA person who tends to see the bright side of things.

Easily confused with

Word forms

optimists plural, Optimists plural

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Being an _____, he assumed the delayed flight would still land on time.

Etymology

Borrowed from French optimiste, built on Latin optimus, "best."

Origin: Latin

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for optimist

See all rhymes for optimist →

Frequently asked questions

What does “optimist” mean?

The word “optimist” means someone who habitually expects things to turn out well. In plain terms, a person who tends to see the bright side of things.

How do you pronounce “optimist”?

“Optimist” is pronounced OP-tih-mihst (/ˈɑptɪmɪst/ in IPA).

How do you use “optimist” in a sentence?

Here is “optimist” used in a sentence: “Being an optimist, he assumed the delayed flight would still land on time.”

What is the opposite of “optimist”?

The opposite of “optimist” — its antonyms — is pessimist.

What part of speech is “optimist”?

“Optimist” is a noun.

Where does the word “optimist” come from?

The word “optimist” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French optimiste, built on Latin optimus, "best.".

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