Definition of optimism
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
From the M-W Editors
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 of optimism from the Web
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Earnhardt’s tweets on Friday and Saturday expressed optimism about qualifying and practice for Sunday’s race.
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In Gillette, the new American optimism was tenuous and shaky.
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The performance sparked optimism and raised his status as a prospect.
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That outlook is echoed by optimism at some of the top miners, with BHP Billiton Ltd. and Rio both saying in March there’s potential for more growth in China’s steel production.
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Optimism, and an almost constant smile on the face, are part of Macron’s strategy French voters are now getting used to.
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As the car carrying the Bulls contingent traveled to the Cleveland airport on July 3, 2010, cautious optimism hung in the air.
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Despite the political turmoil that has surrounded her speeches, Clinton has urged persistence and optimism.
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The Marines that General McMahon commands are flummoxed by their leader’s do-gooder optimism.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optimism'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of optimism
French optimisme, from Latin optimum, noun, best, from neuter of optimus best; akin to Latin ops power — more at opulent
Other Philosophy Terms
OPTIMISM Defined for English Language Learners
optimism
playDefinition of optimism for English Language Learners
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: a feeling or belief that good things will happen in the future : a feeling or belief that what you hope for will happen
OPTIMISM Defined for Kids
optimism
playDefinition of optimism for Students
: a feeling or belief that good things will happen
Medical Dictionary
Learn More about optimism
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See words that rhyme with optimism Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for optimism Spanish Central: Translation of optimism Nglish: Translation of optimism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of optimism for Arabic speakers
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