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optimistic

B2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˌɒptɪmˈɪstɪk/

US

  • /ˌɑptəˈmɪstɪk/

Description

To be optimistic is to look on the bright side, even when things are hard. It is like carrying a little bit of sunshine inside you. A person with this attitude believes that good things can happen and pays more attention to chances and solutions than to problems alone. You might describe someone facing a difficult challenge this way if they are not denying the hardship, but still believe they can get through it.

This does not mean being naive. It means choosing to focus on what could still go well. A farmer hoping for rain during a drought shows this kind of hope, and a person starting a new business despite the risks shows it too. Sometimes even a small amount of this feeling can make a big difference.

Examples

  1. 1

    Personal feeling

    I feel optimistic about the new job.

  2. 2

    Setback

    She stayed optimistic even after the first plan failed.

  3. 3

    Business forecast

    We are optimistic that sales will improve next month.

  4. 4

    Medical recovery

    Doctors are optimistic about his recovery, but it will take time.

  5. 5

    Careful hope

    The team gave a cautiously optimistic update after the meeting.

    • Phrase

      cautiously optimistic

      hopeful, but still careful because problems are possible

  6. 6

    Planning

    Their schedule was too optimistic, so the project finished two weeks late.

    • Phrase

      too optimistic

      expecting more than is realistic

  7. 7

    Economic outlook

    The report takes an optimistic view of the local economy.

  8. 8

    Tone

    He sounded optimistic on the phone, even though he had not received the results yet.

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • optimisticadjective