optimistic

UK: /ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/ US: (op′tə mis′tik)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

op•ti•mis•tic  (op′tə mis′tik), adj. 

1. disposed to take a favorable view of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.
2. reflecting optimism:
   an optimistic plan.
3. of or pertaining to optimism.

Also, op′ti•mis′ti•cal. 

• optimist + -ic 1840–50

op′ti•mis′ti•cal•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

op•ti•mism /ˈɑptəˌmɪzəm/   n. [uncountable]

1. a tendency to look on the more favorable side or to expect the most favorable outcome or result of events or conditions.
2. the belief that good will ultimately triumph over evil and that virtue will be rewarded.

op•ti•mist, n. [countable]
op•ti•mis•tic, adj. 
op•ti•mis•ti•cal•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

op•ti•mism  (op′tə miz′əm), n. 

1. a disposition or tendency to look on the more favorable side of events or conditions and to expect the most favorable outcome.
2. the belief that good ultimately predominates over evil in the world.
3. the belief that goodness pervades reality.
4. the doctrine that the existing world is the best of all possible worlds.

• Latin optim(um) (see optimum) + French -isme -ism
• French optimisme
• 1730–40

Synonyms

• 1. confidence, hopefulness, cheerfulness.

Antonyms

• 1, 2. pessimism, cynicism.