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

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 Hallmark leaves to become Aston Martin’s fourth CEO in 4 years In a surprise move that could derail its cautious optimism for 2024, Hallmark stepped down from his post on Friday with immediate effect in order to take up the reins at British luxury sports car maker Aston Martin. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 22 Mar. 2024 Some regional analysts say there are few grounds for optimism about the U.S.-Nigerien relationship. Michael Birnbaum, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2024 President Biden has fixated on high housing costs in recent weeks, wary that Americans’ struggles to make rent or buy a home are weighing on the nation’s economic optimism. Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024 The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind may be a film about wind power, but the story runs on pure optimism. Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 20 Mar. 2024 According to Sarah Potter, a tarot reader and psychic medium, yellow symbolizes happiness and courage, and is known to bring a boost in optimism. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 19 Mar. 2024 Maxine dresses like an 8-year-old girl in her optimism. Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2024 This spot on the calendar is reserved for rosy optimism. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2024 A day before a critical matchup against a divisional opponent, Lakers players and coach Darvin Ham expressed optimism following Friday morning’s practice in El Segundo. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024

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 28 Mar. 2024.

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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