Optimism

Definition

Optimism is the hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something; the belief or doctrine that good will ultimately prevail over evil.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɑptɪˌmɪzəm/
• Respelling: OP-ti-miz-um (with "OP" as in "opt," "ti" as in "tin," "miz" as in "mizzen," and "um" as a softer "um")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɒptɪˌmɪzəm/
• Respelling: OP-ti-miz-um (similar to American English, with "OP" as in "opt," "ti" as in "tin," "miz" as in "mizzen," and "um" as a softer "um")

In both dialects, "optimism" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "OP." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "OP-ti-miz-um."

Etymology

Derived from the French word "optimisme", which is based on Latin "optimus" meaning "best". It characterizes the belief that the universe is as good as it could possibly be or that good will ultimately prevail.

Derivatives

• Optimist (a person who is optimistic)
• Optimistic (adjective form, reflecting a belief in positive outcomes)
• Optimistically (adverb form)
• Overoptimism (excessive or unwarranted optimism)
• Optimism bias (a cognitive bias leading individuals to believe they are less at risk of experiencing negative events compared to others)

Synonyms

• Hopefulness
• Positivity
• Sanguineness

Antonyms

• Pessimism
• Negativity
• Cynicism

Usage

"Optimism" denotes a positive outlook or perspective on situations, outcomes, or life in general.

• Her optimism was infectious, making everyone around her feel more hopeful.
• Despite challenges, he maintained his optimism that things would improve.
• A sense of optimism pervaded the room after the announcement.

Related Terms

• Positive thinking
• Hope
• Outlook
• Expectation
• Anticipation

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Belief in Positive Outcomes: A tendency to expect the best possible outcome or to dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.‍
• Example: His optimism was unwavering, even in the face of adversity.

• Philosophical Doctrine: A belief that the universe is ordered for the best or that good will ultimately prevail over evil.‍
• Example: Some philosophical debates revolve around optimism versus pessimism and their implications for human experience.

• Confidence: Hopefulness and confidence about the future or about the successful outcome of something.‍
• Example: The team's optimism soared after their initial success.‍