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

• hopefulness
• brightness
• cheerfulness

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

But many industry experts, once worried that White House resistance could pump the brakes on the fast-growing EV market, have regained some optimism. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2025

And despite anxieties about further staffing cuts, most officials interviewed for this story expressed optimism, overall, that reunifying Laney and Merritt may ultimately strengthen Oakland’s local higher education. —Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 23 Aug. 2025

Four days later, the Republican president’s optimism has diminished. —Aamer Madhani, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025

European and Asian equity markets likewise gained, with China’s CSI 300 index reaching multiyear highs, reflecting global optimism for lower U.S. rates. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 22 Aug. 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

Rhymes for optimism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

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