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

Yet the apparent optimism was a thin veneer over deep uncertainty. —Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025

In a post on X, Rutte expressed optimism about strengthening NATO's capabilities, emphasizing that the alliance will work together to achieve peace through strength. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

For Carter and Reagan, both Bushes, Clinton and Obama, CBS News polling at the time showed higher optimism than either President Biden in 2021 or Trump today enjoys. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2025

Its market capitalization now sits at about $190 billion, driven by optimism that the Trump administration could adopt friendlier crypto policies. —Nina Bambysheva, Forbes, 20 Jan. 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

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