optimism
optimism
Pronunciation
TIPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˈɒptɪmɪzəm/
Syllable Breakdown:
ˈɒp - /ɒ/ (vowel) /p/ (consonant)
tɪ - /t/ (consonant) /ɪ/ (vowel)
mɪ - /m/ (consonant) /ɪ/ (vowel)
zəm - /z/ (consonant) /ə/ (vowel) /m/ (consonant)
Word Form Variations
Optimism is already a singular noun. There are no plural or other word form variations for this term.
Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Optimism (Noun)
Definition: A general disposition or tendency to look on the bright side of things and expect the best; hopefulness; cheerfulness.
Synonyms: Hope, cheer, buoyancy, optimism, sanguineness, idealism, rose-colored glasses, sunny disposition
Antonyms: Pessimism, gloom, despondency, despair, cynicism, cynicism, negativity
Optimistic (Adjective)
Definition: Having or showing a disposition to be hopeful about the future; cheerful; optimistic.
Synonyms: Hopeful, cheerful, buoyant, optimistic, sanguine, idealistic, rosy, sunny
Antonyms: Pessimistic, gloomy, despondent, despairing, cynical, negative
Optimistically (Adverb)
Definition: In a hopeful or cheerful manner; optimistically.
Synonyms: Hopefully, cheerfully, buoyantly, optimistically, sanguinely, idealistically, rosily, sunnily
Antonyms: Pessimistically, gloomily, despondently, despairingly, cynically, negatively
Examples of Use
Books
"The optimist sees the glass half full. The pessimist sees the glass half empty. The realist sees the glass, notes that it's half full, and wonders if it's refillable." (Unknown author)
"Optimism is a belief that the future will be better than the past." (Unknown author)
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope." (Helen Keller)
Newspapers
"Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, a sense of optimism has emerged as communities unite to support one another." (The New York Times)
"The article discusses the importance of optimism in fostering resilience and promoting mental well-being." (The Washington Post)
Online Publications
"A blog post explores the benefits of optimism on overall health and happiness." (Psychology Today)
"A news article discusses the role of optimism in climate change activism and advocacy." (The Guardian)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies: "The Shawshank Redemption" portrays a story of hope and optimism amidst adversity.
TV shows: "Ted Lasso" is a comedy-drama series that highlights the power of optimism and positivity.
Social media: Platforms like Twitter and Instagram often feature uplifting quotes and stories that promote optimism.
General Public Discourse
"People often use the phrase 'glass half full' to describe an optimistic outlook."
"In everyday conversations, people might express optimism about future prospects or share uplifting stories."
"Optimism is frequently discussed in motivational speeches and self-help books."
Note: These are just a few examples. The word "optimism" is widely used in various contexts and is a common term in everyday language.
10 Famous Quotes Using the term Optimism
"Optimism is a belief that the future will be better than the past." (Unknown author)
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope." (Helen Keller)
"The optimist sees the glass half full. The pessimist sees the glass half empty. The realist sees the glass, notes that it's half full, and wonders if it's refillable." (Unknown author)
"Hope is a good breakfast but a bad supper." (Francis Bacon)
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Nelson Mandela)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." (Steve Jobs)
"Don't let yesterday use up too much of today." (Will Rogers)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." (Eleanor Roosevelt)
"Happiness is not a destination, but a journey." (Unknown author)
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." (Helen Keller)
Etymology
The word "optimism" comes from the Greek word "optimus," which means "best." So, "optimism" is basically the belief that things will turn out for the best.
It was first used in the 17th century by the philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. He thought that the world was the best possible world that could exist, given the laws of nature and the will of God. This idea is called "theodicy," which means "justification of God."
Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Optimism
Common Phrases:
A ray of hope: A glimmer of optimism or possibility.
To look on the bright side: To be optimistic and focus on the positive aspects of a situation.
To be a glass-half-full person: To have an optimistic outlook.
Lesser-Known Phrases:
To see the silver lining: To find a positive aspect in a negative situation.
To wear rose-colored glasses: To have an overly optimistic view of the world.
Idioms with Synonyms:
To keep one's chin up: To maintain a positive attitude.
To see the forest for the trees: To focus on the big picture rather than the details.
To turn over a new leaf: To start fresh with a positive attitude.
Why It Might Be Difficult to Find Common Idioms with "Optimism":
Directness: "Optimism" is a relatively direct and straightforward word, making it less likely to appear in colorful idioms.
Newer Concept: The concept of optimism, as we understand it today, is relatively recent. Many idioms have developed over centuries and may not include more modern terms.
Posts Related to Optimism
Source Information
Definition of optimism from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.