VocabDictionary

optimism

/ˈɒp.tɪ.mɪ.zəm/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.

Example Sentences:
  • Despite the economic downturn, the CEO expressed cautious optimism about the company's growth.
  • Her natural optimism helped her overcome the many challenges she faced during her career.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “optimism”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'optimus', meaning 'best'. It entered the English language in the early 18th century via the French 'optimisme', originally coined by philosophers to describe the doctrine that the actual world is the best of all possible worlds, as famously satirized by Voltaire in 'Candide'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of an 'OPTIMal' outcome: an optimist always expects the best possible result.

Frequently Asked Questions About “optimism

1. What is the meaning of “optimism” in English?

In English, optimism (noun) is defined as: “Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.”.

2. How do you use “optimism” in a sentence?

Despite the economic downturn, the CEO expressed cautious optimism about the company's growth.

3. What are English synonyms of “optimism”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “optimism”?

Derived from the Latin 'optimus', meaning 'best'. It entered the English language in the early 18th century via the French 'optimisme', originally coined by philosophers to describe the doctrine that the actual world is the best of all possible worlds, as famously satirized by Voltaire in 'Candide'.