# optimist

/ˈɑptəmɪst/ (US) · /ˈɒptɪmˌɪst/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/optimist
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the phrase 'an eternal optimist' to describe someone whose positivity never fades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.