Word
optimist
Phoneticsop·ti·mist, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɑptəmɪst/
UK/ˈɒptɪmˌɪst/
Countable noun
Definition
n. someone who always expects good things to happen or looks for the positive side of a situation. You are an optimist if you believe the future will be successful.
n. a person disposed to take a favourable view of events or conditions and to expect the most positive outcome. Often contrasted with 'pessimist'.
Examples
“As an optimist, she always sees the glass as half full.”
“Even after the project failed, the team's lead optimist insisted that the experience provided valuable lessons for their next attempt.”
“While critics argued the plan was unrealistic, the lead architect remained a staunch optimist, convinced that innovative engineering could overcome the site's natural limitations.”
Examples
simple
“As an optimist, she always sees the glass as half full.”
contextual
“Even after the project failed, the team's lead optimist insisted that the experience provided valuable lessons for their next attempt.”
complex
“While critics argued the plan was unrealistic, the lead architect remained a staunch optimist, convinced that innovative engineering could overcome the site's natural limitations.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'an eternal optimist' to describe someone whose positivity never fades.
Real-World Examples
“David, the stubborn catastrophiser, and Seinfeld, the breezy optimist, would write episodes face-to-face across a double desk and almost never argue.” “Gitai asked him whether he considered himself an optimist or a pessimist.” “Lots of studies over the years have shown optimists to be healthy and happy.” “The modern world was built and shaped by optimists.” Etymology
From French optimiste, from Latin optimus (“best”) + -ist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/optimist