optimism

positive thinking

noun. positive attitude

Word Origin & History

1759 (in translations of Voltaire), from French optimisme (1737), from Modern Latin optimum, used by Gottfried Leibniz (in "Théodicée," 1710) to mean "the greatest good," from Latin optimus "the best" (see optimum). The doctrine holds that the actual world is the "best of all possible worlds," in which the creator accomplishes the most good at the cost of the least evil.

Launched out of philosophical jargon and into currency by Voltaire's satire on it in "Candide." General sense of "belief that good ultimately will prevail in the world" first attested 1841 in Emerson; meaning "tendency to take a hopeful view of things" first recorded 1819 in Shelley.

Example Sentences for optimism

Meantime the stronghold of Mauburn's optimism was being desperately stormed.

This optimism procured for Mr Verloc his fourth surprise of the day.

He was reposing in that pathetic condition of optimism induced by excess of fatigue.

But his confidence was shaken, that was plain, and his optimism assumed.

Her optimism was the best sort of bracer for the captain's failing courage.

She would not say more, nor tell on what grounds she based her optimism.

Optimism coloured the world for me all of the rosy hue of promise.

Their own optimism had given way before the protracted delay.

He just seems to radiate good will, and friendliness, and optimism wherever he goes.

His optimism was being sorely tried; but his courage was still unweakened.

optimism

More words related to optimism

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joyfulness

positive thinking

hopes