noun

optimism

/ˈɒptɪmɪzəm/ · say it: OP·tuh·miz·um

hopefulness about the future

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (noun) the belief that good things will happen in the future and that situations will end well

2. (noun) a tendency to see the positive side of things and expect favorable outcomes

Examples

1. Despite the difficulties, she faced the challenge with optimism and confidence.
2. His natural optimism helped him recover quickly from disappointment.

How to use optimism

Optimism refers to a general disposition or belief that things will work out well, often in the face of uncertainty. It differs from mere hope in being more active and expectant; it differs from blind faith in often being tempered by reason. The word can be used positively (showing healthy perspective) or critically (suggesting naivety).

Common phrases

cautious optimism
unbridled optimism
growing optimism
optimism about the future
express optimism
temper one's optimism

Synonyms

hopefulness · confidence · positive outlook · buoyancy · sanguinity

Opposites

pessimism · cynicism · despair

Word family

optimist · optimistic · optimistically · optimize

A common mistake

Learners sometimes treat optimism and positive thinking as synonymous, but optimism specifically implies expectation of favorable outcomes, whereas positive thinking is more about focusing on constructive thoughts.

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