Vocabulary in context
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Optimistic
Having or showing hope for the future; expecting good things to happen.
adjective💡
Imagine This
Imagine a student facing a difficult exam but smiling confidently, believing their hard work will pay off and the grade will reflect their effort.
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Sounds Like
op-ti-MIS-tic
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Looks Like
Looks like optimist + the suffix -ic; visually suggests a person who believes the best will happen.
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Remember This
Optimistic comes from the root optimus meaning 'best' and is linked to optimism, the general tendency to expect good outcomes.
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Other Forms
optimismnoun
optimistnoun
optimisticallyadverb
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Connect With
hope, positivity, confidence, optimism, sanguine
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Note
Do not confuse optimistic with naive. Being optimistic means maintaining hope and a constructive outlook, not ignoring reality.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- She remained optimistic about the project despite early setbacks.
- An optimistic forecast suggested that sales would recover next quarter.
Synonyms
hopefulpositivesanguineconfidentupbeat
Antonyms
pessimisticnegativecynical
Etymology
From Latin optimus 'best' via Old French optimiste; the suffix -ic forms the adjective, giving 'optimistic'.
Mnemonic
OPTI-MIST-IC: Think of an optician who clears away the mist to reveal the best outcomes; the word literally means seeing the best.
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Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
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