Optimism Definition, Usage & Examples Explained

Meaning 1：positive outlook (optimism)

optimism 🔊

/ˈɒptɪmɪzəm/

A feeling that good things will happen, thinking positively about the future.

Optimism concept illustration: person on hill at sunrise looking at bright future

positive outlook 🔊

➕

/ˈpɒzətɪv ˈaʊtlʊk/

A hopeful attitude or belief that good things will happen and that the future is bright, characterized by confidence and cheerfulness.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'optimus' (best) + suffix '-ism' (doctrine, state).

💡 Mnemonic

Think: OPT for the best ISM (doctrine). You always choose (opt for) the best possible belief system.

📖 Example

Even though his first solar-powered invention didn't work perfectly, his optimism never faded, and he kept improving the design. 🔊 Despite the initial failure of his solar-powered invention, his positive outlook remained strong, and he continued refining the design.

🔗 Collocations

blind optimism – unreasoning or naive positivity ignoring risks

cautious optimism – a hopeful feeling tempered by carefulness

a sense of optimism – a general feeling that things will improve

🔄 Synonyms

hopefulness (n.) – The state of feeling or inspiring hope.

confidence (n.) – A feeling of trust in a positive outcome.

positivity (n.) – The practice of being positive in attitude.

🚫 Antonyms

pessimism (n.) – A tendency to see the worst aspect of things.

cynicism (n.) – An attitude of disbelief in human sincerity or goodness.

despair (n.) – The complete loss or absence of hope.

🌱 Derivatives

optimistic (adj.) – Hopeful and confident about the future.

optimist (n.) – A person who tends to be hopeful.

optimize (v.) – To make the best or most effective use of something.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English in the 18th century via French, ultimately from Latin 'optimum' (the best). Philosopher Leibniz used the term 'optimism' in his 1710 work 'Théodicée' to argue we live in the best possible world created by God, giving the word its formal philosophical foundation.