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optimism

n.
US //ˈɑptəˌmɪzəm// UK //ˈɒptɪmˌɪzəm// op·ti·mism
  1. 1 positive outlook (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a feeling that good things will happen or that a situation will be successful.

    a general tendency to expect the best possible outcome or to dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.

    Example

    Despite the difficult news, she maintained her optimism about the future of the company.

    Example

    Market analysts expressed cautious optimism that the new fiscal policy would eventually stabilise the volatile currency.
  2. 2 philosophical doctrine (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Academic Formal Religion

    the belief that the world we live in is the best one possible.

    the philosophical doctrine that this world is the best of all possible worlds, or that good will ultimately prevail over evil.

    Example

    The professor explained the history of optimism as a religious and philosophical theory.

    Example

    Voltaire's 'Candide' serves as a biting satire of the blind optimism championed by certain eighteenth-century philosophers.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun in this abstract sense.
    • leibnizianism
Origin

From French optimisme, equivalent to Latin optimus + -ism.

Word family

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