optimism

USAGE SUMMARY

"optimism" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to indicate having a hopeful, positive outlook on a situation. For example: "I am trying to approach the difficult situation with optimism, believing that a favourable outcome is possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though that announcement had been hedged with the usual caveats, there was guarded optimism that MDP 301 would have similar results.

The Economist

Others basked in a wave of optimism, this being the best scheme to come out of a tawdry saga of ill-conceived visions that has dragged on for the past quarter of a century.

The Guardian - Arts

There is more to an economic recovery than optimism and a low unemployment rate.

The Guardian - Money

For all the optimism, church insiders privately acknowledge the decline of what are often already tiny rural churches means something will have to change.

The Guardian

She insists she feels broadly hopeful about the role of her five parishes, but optimism in this context calls for a determination to look on the bright side.

The Guardian

The reason I think it can is based partly on Scotland, partly on optimism, and partly on Spain.

The Guardian

Yet, inside Fianna Fáil, there is some optimism that the doctrine of MAD, Irish style, will prevail.

The Guardian

"We can expect to see a surge in Chinese investment in the Amazon in this manner in years to come". Louis Reymondin is the main developer of a satellite imagery programme called Terra-i, which is used by governments and environmental groups to monitor deforestation, and he said the technology offers a dose of optimism.

The Guardian

The Bulls' relegation to the Championship means the Rhinos will now head for the tempestuous and fiery Jungle to face a Tigers side with two wins on the spin and renewed optimism once again.

The Guardian - Sport

McConnell once again displaying his can-do spirit of sunny optimism.

The Guardian

Specifically to a land that the rest of Ireland has almost forgotten ever existed; to an Arcadia where there is prosperity, jobs, optimism, hope.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal tone, use "optimism" to denote a reasoned expectation of positive outcomes based on available evidence, rather than a naive or unfounded hope.

Common error

Avoid presenting "optimism" as a guaranteed outcome; instead, frame it as a potential or desired result based on realistic possibilities to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The noun "optimism" functions as an abstract concept representing a positive outlook or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to describe a general feeling or a specific belief in favorable outcomes. The examples demonstrate its role in various contexts, from economic forecasts to personal attitudes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "optimism" is a noun denoting a positive expectation or outlook. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common in written English. It is frequently used in news and media contexts to express hope and positive anticipation, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig. While generally appropriate, it's crucial to balance "optimism" with realism to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "hopefulness" or "positive outlook" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hopefulness

Emphasizes the feeling of hope associated with a positive future.

positive outlook

Focuses on the perspective rather than the general belief.

positive anticipation

Focuses on expecting good things to happen.

positive attitude

Highlights the disposition and mindset.

bright outlook

Stresses the favorable conditions expected in the future.

faith in the future

Emphasizes belief in a positive outcome down the line.

sanguinity

Implies a more cheerful and confident outlook.

belief in progress

Focuses on the conviction that things will improve.

bullishness

Refers to confidence, especially in financial contexts.

rosy view

Indicates a perspective that is perhaps overly positive.

FAQs

How can I use "optimism" in a sentence?

You can use "optimism" to describe a general feeling or belief that good things will happen, as in "Despite the challenges, she maintained a sense of optimism". It can also refer to a specific expectation, such as "There is cautious optimism about the new project".

What are some synonyms for "optimism"?

Alternatives to "optimism" include "hopefulness", "positive outlook", and "positive attitude", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is it always appropriate to express "optimism"?

While "optimism" is generally positive, it's important to balance it with realism. Excessive or unfounded "optimism" can be perceived as naive or out of touch with reality. Context matters greatly.

What's the difference between "optimism" and hope?

"Optimism" is a general tendency to expect positive outcomes, whereas hope is a specific desire for something to happen. You can have hope without necessarily being optimistic, and vice versa.