optimism

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.

“Optimism” is pronounced OP-tih-mih-zuhm (/ˈɑptɪmɪzəm/ in IPA).

Here is “optimism” used in a sentence: “Despite the setbacks, she never lost her optimism.”

The opposite of “optimism” — its antonyms — is pessimism.

“Optimism” is a noun.

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.

“Optimism” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

"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.

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.

"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.