optimistic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "optimistic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a hopeful or positive outlook on a situation or future events. Example: "Despite the challenges ahead, she remained optimistic about the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which brings us to 2014, where tech-clusters and high-speed trains are on the menu, attracting all the cachet associated with dynamic entrepreneurial economies on the up, they are the latest in a long line of optimistic modernising visions for the north.

The Guardian

I suggest that sounds rather optimistic, and mention starting again from scratch with, for example, our passport system.

The Guardian

"We were optimistic that things were going to be a little better.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, Wednesday's update from Lord Wolfson at Next was certainly optimistic (at least by his standards) in that he forecast "some recovery in the consumer environment" by the second quarter of next year.

The Guardian - Business

It wasn't much of a commercial hit, but I was amazed at the amount of heartfelt responses from young readers, whose taste for tragedy, it turned out, was at least equal to their need for the more conventional, optimistic "heartening" narratives.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Few in the optimistic crowd guessed that the "crossover" would be into potential oblivion.

The Guardian

The young Cameron swore to "let sunshine win the day", and nobody beamed the optimistic, inclusive rays of compassionate Conservatism quite like Gove.

The Guardian

The amount of revenue is actually slightly more than was expected in the Myefo but remains less than the more optimistic figures in the Pefo – due to the much more negative view of the economy.

The Guardian - Business

Michael McPhearson, executive director of Veterans for Peace and a member of the Don't Shoot Coalition, remains optimistic about institutional and legislative change.

The Guardian

"I'm optimistic about the future," he adds.

The Guardian - Tech

The International Monetary Fund estimate of a 5.5% decline in gross domestic product this year looks wildly optimistic given hyper-inflation and the devastation caused to the eastern half of the country.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "optimistic", consider the degree of certainty you want to convey. If you want to emphasize a strong belief in a positive outcome, "confident" or "assured" might be more appropriate. If you want to highlight a general positive outlook, "positive-minded" or "upbeat" may be better choices.

Common error

Avoid using "optimistic" in situations where a more realistic or cautious approach is needed. Overusing the word in inappropriate contexts can undermine your credibility and make your writing seem naive.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "optimistic" primarily functions as a descriptive word, attributing a quality of hopefulness and positive expectation to a person, plan, or outlook. Ludwig examples confirm its role in expressing a positive disposition towards future events or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "optimistic" is a versatile adjective used to express a hopeful and positive outlook. It's grammatically correct and very common in written English. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is often found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you wish to convey, such as "hopeful" for anticipation or "positive-minded" for a general disposition. While a valuable trait, remember to balance optimism with realism to avoid naivety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hopeful

Implies a belief that something good will happen, focusing on anticipation of a positive outcome.

positive-minded

Emphasizes a general disposition towards positivity and seeing the good in situations.

sanguine

Suggests cheerfulness and confidence, particularly in the face of adversity.

upbeat

Conveys a cheerful and enthusiastic outlook.

confident

Indicates strong belief in one's abilities or the likelihood of success.

assured

Suggests a sense of certainty and conviction about a positive outcome.

expectant

Focuses on anticipating a favorable result or event.

Pollyannaish

Implies an excessive or unrealistic optimism, often ignoring potential problems.

looking on the bright side

An idiomatic expression suggesting a focus on the positive aspects of a situation.

seeing the glass half full

Another idiomatic expression meaning to focus on the positive aspects of a situation rather than the negative.

FAQs

How can I use "optimistic" in a sentence?

You can use "optimistic" to describe someone who expects the best possible outcome. For example, "She is "optimistic" about the future" or "They took an "optimistic" view of the situation."

What are some alternatives to the word "optimistic"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "hopeful", "positive-minded", or "upbeat" to convey a similar meaning to "optimistic".

Is it always good to be "optimistic"?

While being "optimistic" is generally seen as positive, it's important to balance it with realism. Excessive optimism without considering potential downsides can lead to disappointment. Sometimes, a more "realistic" or "cautious" approach is more appropriate.

What is the difference between "optimistic" and "Pollyannaish"?

"Optimistic" generally means expecting a positive outcome, while "Pollyannaish" implies an excessively optimistic and often unrealistic viewpoint. Someone who is Pollyannaish might ignore or downplay potential problems, while an "optimistic" person acknowledges challenges but maintains a positive outlook.