optimist

1 of 2

noun (1)

op·​ti·​mist ˈäp-tə-mist 

: a person who is inclined to be hopeful and to expect good outcomes : someone who is given to optimism

The optimists have faith that no matter how avaricious the age, literature will endure.

—Michael Norman

Optimist

2 of 2

noun (2)

Op·​ti·​mist ˈäp-tə-mist 

: a member of a major international service club

Examples of optimist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Behavioral data shows that optimists sometimes overestimate returns and volatility, resulting in poor timing or overexposure. —Michael Khouw, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025

Then, on Sunday, came a shocker from one of Tesla’s most prominent optimists: Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities slashed his 12-month price target by 43% to $315. —Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2025

More skeptical economists say the optimists are looking at the wrong figures. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025

And an optimist would point out the Lakers won 12 of 14 after the loss to the Spurs and then won eight-straight after losing to the Hornets. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

optim(ism) + -ist entry 1, probably after French optimiste

Noun (2)

Optimist (Club)

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1759, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1911, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for optimist

• optimised

Kids Definition

optimist

noun

op·​ti·​mist

ˈäp-tə-məst

: an optimistic person