optimism

noun

op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
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

Example Sentences

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 both Biden and McCarthy expressed optimism heading into the weekend that the gulf between their positions could be bridged. Lisa Mascaro, Fortune, 26 May 2023 Photo: Paul Weaver/Zuma Press Sephora has given Kohl’s a new shade of optimism since the department store started introducing the popular beauty shop into its stores in 2021. Jinjoo Lee, WSJ, 24 May 2023 The researchers want to predict a person’s resilience, optimism, and emotional support–all correlated with positive medical outcomes and one’s ability to handle stress–from a wearable device’s measurements of heart rate variability (HRV). IEEE Spectrum, 17 May 2023 To set something aside for future generations with the fate of the present generation still uncertain was an act of optimism in an uncertain world. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 13 May 2023 There is reason for optimism and there is evidence that vaccination rates continue to tick upward, especially on college campuses and in their communities. David Rosowsky, Forbes, 4 May 2023 Fascination with Chang in China first took off in the 1990s, as market reforms created a wave of optimism and openness. Lisa Movius, Washington Post, 3 May 2023 However, Powell expressed some optimism about the economy’s resilience, pointing to the steep drop in job openings without a significant uptick in the unemployment rate. Bryan Mena, CNN, 3 May 2023 But the makeup of the Legislature gives supporters of the practice little optimism. Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, 21 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'optimism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimism was in 1759

Dictionary Entries Near optimism

Cite this Entry

“Optimism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimism. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

optimism

noun
op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
: a habit of expecting everything to turn out for the best

Medical Definition

optimism

noun
op·​ti·​mism ˈäp-tə-ˌmiz-əm How to pronounce optimism (audio)
: an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome
optimist noun
optimistic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on optimism

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