optimistic

adjective

op·​ti·​mis·​tic ˌäp-tə-ˈmi-stik How to pronounce optimistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or characterized by optimism : feeling or showing hope for the future
an optimistic outlook
an optimistic economic forecast
a person with a hopeful, optimistic nature
I'm feeling optimistic about our chances.
The streets in question were magnificent commercial thoroughfares, … brimming with heavy streams of eager life—young, fresh, optimistic.Theodore Dreiser
optimistically adverb
thinking optimistically about the future
an optimistically upbeat forecast
Optimistically, he anticipates that nuclear weapons … will never be used in war again … Russell F. Weigley

Examples of optimistic in a Sentence

the economic predictions for the coming year are actually quite optimistic
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Polling conducted for Newsweek in early October found that 51 percent of voters thought the U.S. economy was heading in the wrong direction, compared to 30 percent who were optimistic about its trajectory. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024 History has its Eyes on You Many young voters are both more optimistic and worried today about America than at any other time in their life. Earl Carr, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 In one study, participants who wrote weekly gratitude lists reported feeling more optimistic and exercised more often than those who focused on the negatives. Christine Clarridge, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024 Among the most optimistic models for Harris, The Economist’s simulations gave Harris the win in 56 out of 100 scenarios on Tuesday, up from a 50-50 split the day before. Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for optimistic 

Word History

Etymology

optimist + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of optimistic was in 1834

Dictionary Entries Near optimistic

Cite this Entry

“Optimistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/optimistic. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

optimistic

adjective
op·​ti·​mis·​tic
ˌäp-tə-ˈmis-tik
: showing optimism : expecting everything to come out all right : hopeful
optimistically
-ti-k(ə-)lē
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on optimistic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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