optimistically
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˌɒptɪmˈɪstɪkli/
US
- /ˌɑptɪˈmɪstɪkəli/
- /ˌɑptɪˈmɪstɪkli/
Description
- Hopefully
- Positively
- With confidence
- Expecting success
- With high expectations
To do something optimistically means to expect a good result, even when things are hard. It often suggests looking at the brighter side and believing that things may work out well. A character in a novel might optimistically plan a cross-country road trip despite having an old car and very little money. After a disappointing sales quarter, a business owner might optimistically predict a stronger year ahead. It does not mean ignoring problems. It means facing them with hope and confidence.
"Optimistically" is an adverb that describes how someone speaks, thinks, plans, or looks at a situation. It means doing so with hope and confidence, expecting that things may turn out well. It is often used when the result is still uncertain, but the person chooses to focus on a good possible outcome.
You might optimistically believe you will do well on an exam after studying hard. A family might optimistically start packing for a picnic even though the weather forecast is mixed. In business, a manager might optimistically predict that sales will improve next season. In science, a researcher might optimistically describe early results as promising, while still knowing that more testing is needed.
The word often shows attitude more than fact. If someone says something optimistically, they are leaning toward hope rather than fear. This can be sensible and encouraging, but it can also suggest that the speaker may be a little too confident. For example, a news report might say that a company "optimistically expects" the project to finish by June, hinting that the timeline may be ambitious.
So, the word is useful when you want to show hopeful expectation in action. People can speak optimistically, make plans optimistically, estimate costs optimistically, or wait optimistically for better news. In each case, the idea is the same: the person is looking ahead with a positive expectation, especially when success is not guaranteed.
Examples
- 1
Positive reaction
She smiled optimistically and said the meeting might still go well.
- 2
Sports chances
The coach spoke optimistically about the team's chances.
- 3
Planning
We planned optimistically and booked a large room for the event.
- 4
Best-case estimate
Optimistically, the repairs will be finished by Friday.
Usage
At the start of a sentence, "optimistically" introduces the best result someone reasonably hopes for.
- 5
Overhopeful forecast
The report estimated, perhaps too optimistically, that sales would double next year.
Phrase
too optimistically
with more hope than the facts may support
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- optimisticallyadverb