Words / C1

OPT-im-iz-uh-m/ˈɒptɪmɪzəm/

Optimism is the habit of expecting good outcomes: cautious optimism, optimism about the result. Hope is everyday and can be thinner; optimistic (already in the dictionary) is the adjective. Pessimism is the opposite. Do not write optimism where the table already shows a fall.

Meaning

A tendency to expect that good things will happen.

Examples

• “Optimism in the press release did not survive the second inspection.”
• “Optimism in the press note died at the second failed inspection.”
• “Hope can be a wish; optimism is an expectation of good. Optimistic is the adjective. Pessimism is the antonym. A falling chart is not “optimism”.”

Good to know

Expecting a good outcome. Adjective: optimistic. Everyday: hope (thinner). Opposite: pessimism. Do not contradict your own table.

Near in meaning

hope

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