optimistic assumption

USAGE SUMMARY

'optimistic assumption' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you want to describe an assumption that is seen as a positive outlook on a situation. For example, "His optimistic assumption that the project would be successful was proven to be correct."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But that's an optimistic assumption.

The New York Times

That optimistic assumption is challenged by some economists.

The New York Times

That approach was predicated on the optimistic assumption that security would continue to improve.

The New York Times

But it is worth challenging one optimistic assumption, particularly because of its wider implications.

The New York Times

And officials admit that the 2013 budget is based on an optimistic assumption of a 0.5% fall in GDP.

The Economist

And given that ARM indexes, too, are at historic lows, that may be an overly optimistic assumption going forward.

The New York Times

This depends on the optimistic assumption that the economy will shrink by only 0.5 percent in 2013.

The New York Times

Prices like that assume the equipment companies will continue to grow very fast for several years -- an optimistic assumption in an economy slamming on the brakes.

The New York Times

But even on the optimistic assumption that government can hit its targets for both cutting consumption and reducing leaks, the numbers do not seem to add up.

The Guardian

It was the kind of optimistic assumption that ran rampant in the residential housing market, but one that remained less common for commercial real estate loans.

The New York Times

The latest budget assumes that the government will raise 26% more in taxes than it did last year an optimistic assumption, says Timothy Ash of Standard Bank.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "optimistic assumption", ensure that the context acknowledges the potential for the assumption to be incorrect. Balance the optimism with realistic considerations to maintain credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting an "optimistic assumption" as a guaranteed outcome. Doing so can mislead your audience and damage your reliability if the assumption proves false.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "optimistic assumption" functions as a noun phrase, where "optimistic" is an adjective modifying the noun "assumption". It typically identifies a belief or expectation that is characterized by a positive outlook or favorable conditions. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and frequently used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "optimistic assumption" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a belief or expectation that leans towards a positive outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse sources, including news, science, and formal business contexts. While useful for framing ideas with a positive outlook, it is crucial to balance this optimism with realism and avoid presenting it as a guaranteed outcome. Consider alternative phrases like "hopeful premise" or "bright outlook" to vary your language, and always be mindful of the potential for assumptions, even optimistic ones, to be incorrect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hopeful premise

Emphasizes the hopeful nature of the starting point or foundation of an argument or plan.

positive expectation

Highlights the anticipation of a favorable outcome.

favorable anticipation

Stresses the welcoming or advantageous nature of the expectation.

bright outlook

Focuses on the promising or positive view of the future.

sanguine prospect

Emphasizes a confident and cheerful view of what might happen in the future.

bullish forecast

Specifically related to predictions, highlighting strong confidence in a positive outcome.

rosy scenario

Implies a potentially unrealistic or overly positive view of a situation.

favorable hypothesis

Focuses on an idea or explanation that is likely to produce positive results if tested.

confident prediction

Stresses the assurance and certainty associated with a projected outcome.

upbeat assessment

Highlights the positive and cheerful nature of the evaluation or judgment.

FAQs

How can I use "optimistic assumption" in a sentence?

You can use "optimistic assumption" to describe a belief or expectation that things will turn out favorably, such as, "The budget forecast relies on the "optimistic assumption" that the economy will grow by 3% next year."

What are some alternatives to "optimistic assumption"?

Alternatives to "optimistic assumption" include "hopeful premise", "positive expectation", or "bright outlook", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to make an "optimistic assumption" or a pessimistic one?

Whether an "optimistic assumption" or a pessimistic one is better depends on the context. An optimistic view can motivate action, but a pessimistic view can prepare you for potential risks. A balanced approach is often ideal.

What makes an assumption "optimistic"?

An assumption is "optimistic" when it anticipates a favorable outcome or trend, often based on the belief that positive conditions will prevail or improve over time. However, it's important to recognize that such assumptions may not always align with reality.