optimism
5 synonyms and 1 antonyms for optimism, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tendency to expect good things to happen or to see the positive side of a situation.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use optimism
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From French optimisme, built on Latin optimus ("best") plus -ism — originally referring to the philosophical view that this is the best of all possible worlds.
Full origin of optimism →Frequently asked questions
What does “optimism” mean?
The word “optimism” means a tendency to expect good things to happen or to see the positive side of a situation. In plain terms, a hopeful, glass-half-full outlook on how things will turn out.
How do you pronounce “optimism”?
“Optimism” is pronounced OP-tih-mih-zuhm (/ˈɑptɪmɪzəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “optimism” in a sentence?
Here is “optimism” used in a sentence: “Despite the setbacks, she never lost her optimism.”
What is the opposite of “optimism”?
The opposite of “optimism” — its antonyms — is pessimism.
What part of speech is “optimism”?
“Optimism” is a noun.
Where does the word “optimism” come from?
The word “optimism” comes from Latin. From French optimisme, built on Latin optimus ("best") plus -ism — originally referring to the philosophical view that this is the best of all possible worlds.
Is “optimism” a common word?
“Optimism” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between "optimism" and "hope"?
"Optimism" is a general tendency to expect good things to happen or see the positive side of a situation, functioning as a disposition or outlook. "Hope" is typically directed at a specific desired outcome and can exist even without a strong general expectation that things will turn out well.
What is the opposite of "optimism"?
The opposite of "optimism" is "pessimism," a tendency to expect bad outcomes or focus on the negative side of a situation. Someone high in optimism expects good things; someone high in pessimism anticipates the worst.
Is "optimism" a personality trait or a temporary mood?
"Optimism" can refer to either a stable personality trait, describing someone who habitually expects good outcomes, or a temporary state of feeling positive about a specific situation. Psychologists often study it as a relatively consistent disposition.