Antonyms for optimism
| Grammar : Noun |
| Spell : op-tuh-miz-uhm |
| Phonetic Transcription : ˈɒp təˌmɪz əm |
Definition of optimism
Origin :- 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.
- En termes de l'art, il l'appelle la raison du meilleur ou plus savamment encore, et Theologiquement autant que Géométriquement, le systême de l'Optimum, ou l'Optimisme. [Mémoires de Trévoux, Feb. 1737]
- 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.
- noun state of having positive beliefs
- Meantime the stronghold of Mauburn's optimism was being desperately stormed.
- Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
- This optimism procured for Mr Verloc his fourth surprise of the day.
- Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
- He was reposing in that pathetic condition of optimism induced by excess of fatigue.
- Extract from : « The Secret Agent » by Joseph Conrad
- But his confidence was shaken, that was plain, and his optimism assumed.
- Extract from : « Thankful's Inheritance » by Joseph C. Lincoln
- Her optimism was the best sort of bracer for the captain's failing courage.
- Extract from : « Cy Whittaker's Place » by Joseph C. Lincoln
- She would not say more, nor tell on what grounds she based her optimism.
- Extract from : « Keziah Coffin » by Joseph C. Lincoln
- Optimism coloured the world for me all of the rosy hue of promise.
- Extract from : « The Strolling Saint » by Raphael Sabatini
- Their own optimism had given way before the protracted delay.
- Extract from : « The Hound From The North » by Ridgwell Cullum
- He just seems to radiate good will, and friendliness, and optimism wherever he goes.
- Extract from : « Mixed Faces » by Roy Norton
- His optimism was being sorely tried; but his courage was still unweakened.
- Extract from : « Mixed Faces » by Roy Norton
Synonyms for optimism
Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019