optimism

noun op·ti·mism \ ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm \

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

See optimism defined for English-language learners

See optimism defined for kids

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

Despite the sliver of optimism Burkholder left regarding Ware’s chances of returning, Ware will miss several games, at the very least.

— terez a. paylor, kansascity, "Chiefs’ Spencer Ware likely out for season, Kareem Hunt to step in," 27 Aug. 2017
For all the optimism surrounding third-round pick Jordan Willis, fourth-rounder Carl Lawson and the second-half terror that has been Chris Smith, little quarterback harassment came from the first team.

— paul dehner jr., Cincinnati.com, "How much concern about Bengals' defense?," 19 Aug. 2017
While capacity curbs in China are one of the main catalysts for the rally, optimism over global growth prospects is also driving renewed investor interest in base metals.

— lorcan roche kelly, Bloomberg.com, "Five Things You Need to Know to Start Your Day," 17 Aug. 2017
Some might dismiss that as Carroll’s trademark optimism.

— bob condotta, The Seattle Times, "Pete Carroll says Seahawks’ offensive line ‘did very well’ in preseason opener against Chargers," 15 Aug. 2017
The roster still contains too many questions, but Pace's optimism is understandable, given Trubisky's accuracy, athleticism and eagerness to learn.

— rich campbell, chicagotribune.com, "Bears training camp superlatives: Happiest camper, oddest twist and more," 15 Aug. 2017
The biggest reason for Andrean's optimism can be found on defense.

— mike hutton, Post-Tribune, "Countdown to Football: Andrean ranked No. 10 in preseason by Post-Tribune," 8 Aug. 2017
With his optimism and kindness, Locher set the standard for living life and remains a role model today, Stantis said.

— erin hegarty, Naperville Sun, "Editorial cartoonist Dick Locher left his mark on Naperville," 8 Aug. 2017
While Jovon Robinson and Kerryon Johnson were cause for optimism, Auburn lost Peyton Barber and Roc Thomas.

— james crepea, AL.com, "Kamryn Pettway leads vaunted Auburn running back corps," 22 July 2017

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

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1759

See Words from the same year

optimism Synonyms

Synonyms

bullishness, sanguinity

Antonyms

bearishness, pessimism

Related Words

brightness, cheerfulness, perkiness, sunniness; hope, hopefulness, rosiness; idealism, meliorism

Near Antonyms

skepticism; apprehension, caution, concern; cynicism; despair, desperation, discouragement, disheartenment, hopelessness; bleakness, cheerlessness, dreariness, gloom, gloominess; pragmatism, realism

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

OPTIMISM Defined for English Language Learners

optimism

noun

Definition of optimism for English Language Learners

: 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

noun op·ti·mism \ ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm \

Definition of optimism for Students

:a feeling or belief that good things will happen

Medical Dictionary

optimism

noun op·ti·mism \ ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm \

medical Definition of optimism

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

—

optimist

play \-məst\ noun

—

optimistic

play \ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik\ adjective

Learn More about optimism

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up optimism? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

optimism

Definition of optimism

Explore Merriam-Webster

Examples of optimism in a Sentence

Recent Examples of optimism from the Web

Origin and Etymology of optimism

optimism Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Words

Near Antonyms

Other Philosophy Terms

OPTIMISM Defined for English Language Learners

optimism

Definition of optimism for English Language Learners

OPTIMISM Defined for Kids

optimism

Definition of optimism for Students

Medical Dictionary

optimism

medical Definition of optimism

optimist

optimistic

Learn More about optimism

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066