Optimistic

ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
1 meaning2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

1

Feeling or showing hope about the future.

ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Expecting the best in all possible outcomes.

Despite the challenges, she remained optimistic about finding a solution.

💡 Simply: It's like always expecting something good to happen. Imagine you're about to open a present; an optimistic person thinks it's going to be the best gift ever!

👶 For kids: Thinking that good things will happen.

More Examples

2

The optimistic forecast predicted a significant increase in sales.

3

He’s optimistic that he will get the job.

How It's Used

General

"She has an optimistic outlook on life."

Business

"The company is optimistic about its future growth."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

look on the bright side

To try to find something positive in a situation that is mostly bad.

"Even though we lost the game, let's look on the bright side – we played well and learned a lot."

glass half-full

Someone who views situations positively.

"She is a glass half-full type of person and always sees the potential for good."

From French *optimiste*, from Latin *optimus* ('best'). The concept developed in the 18th century, particularly in the context of philosophical optimism.

The word gained popularity during the Enlightenment, reflecting a belief in human progress and improvement.

Memory tip

Think of an *optimum* outcome – expecting the best!

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"best"

optimistic aboutoptimistic attitudeoptimistic outlookremain optimisticfeel optimistic

Common misspellings

optimisitcoptimisticcoptomistic

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written