optimism

op-ti-mism · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or to focus on the most positive aspects of a situation.

  2. 2.

    The belief that good will ultimately prevail over evil.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    cautious optimism — hopeful but with reservations
  • •
    blind optimism — unrealistic or naive hopefulness

Related words

Antonyms: despair, negativity, pessimism
See also: hope, optimist, optimistic, pessimism
Synonyms: confidence, hopefulness, positivity

Etymology

From French optimisme, from Latin optimus ("best"), superlative of bonus ("good"). The term was coined in 1737 in response to the philosophical work of Leibniz.