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optimist

noun op·ti·mist \ ˈäp-tə-mist \
Updated on: 8 Apr 2018
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Definition of optimist

: a person who is inclined to be hopeful and to expect good outcomes : someone who is given to optimism
  • The optimists have faith that no matter how avaricious the age, literature will endure.
  • —Michael Norman

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Recent Examples of optimist from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'optimist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of optimist

optim(ism) + 1-ist, probably after French optimiste

Optimist

noun Op·ti·mist \ ˈäp-tə-mist \

Definition of Optimist

: a member of a major international service club

Origin and Etymology of optimist

Optimist (Club)

OPTIMIST Defined for Kids

optimist

noun op·ti·mist \ ˈäp-tə-məst \

Definition of optimist for Students

: a person who habitually expects good things to happen

Learn More about optimist

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of optimist Nglish: Translation of optimist for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of optimist for Arabic speakers

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