optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm 

1

: a doctrine that this world is the best possible world

2

: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome

expressed optimism about the future of the business

the optimism of cheerleaders

Synonyms

• bullishness
• sanguinity

Examples of optimism in a Sentence

Both of them expressed optimism about the future of the town.

The early sales reports are cause for optimism.

There is growing optimism that the problem can be corrected.

He maintains a sense of optimism, despite all that has happened.

Recent Examples on the Web

Still, there's reason for optimism: the Spurs acquired De'Aaron Fox from the Kings and look poised to be a serious threat next season. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

There’s some optimism that a deal will be struck with Dish. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Mar. 2025

But Duplass resists turning his character into a joke, fusing Michael’s desperate optimism with internalized panic and helplessness. —Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025

Meanwhile, in China, optimism around the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities has intensified since the introduction of DeepSeek’s R1 model earlier this year. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French optimisme, from Latin optimum "the best, optimum" + French -isme -ism

First Known Use

1759, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for optimism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

Kids Definition

optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm 

: a habit of expecting everything to turn out for the best

Medical Definition

optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm 

: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome

optimist

-məst 

noun

optimistic

ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik 

adjective