optimism
OP-tih-mih-zuhm
Optimism (noun) means a tendency to expect good things to happen or to see the positive side of a situation. Example: “Despite the setbacks, she never lost her optimism.”
noun
1
A tendency to expect good things to happen or to see the positive side of a situation.
"Despite the setbacks, she never lost her optimism."
"Investors are showing cautious optimism about next quarter's numbers."
"Her optimism made the long wait for the results feel much easier to bear."
How to use optimism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hopeful, glass-half-full outlook on how things will turn out.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
cautious optimism
a sense of optimism
unwavering optimism
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Word forms
- Plural
- optimisms
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Despite the setbacks, she never lost her _____.
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.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for optimism
See all rhymes for 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.
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