optimistic enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "optimistic enough" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a level of optimism that meets a certain standard or expectation. Example: "While the project has its challenges, I believe we are optimistic enough to overcome them and achieve our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I am optimistic enough about this that I am willing to make a prediction.

Independent

But now, restaurant owners are clearly feeling optimistic enough to do some hiring.

The New York Times

By March 13, with the fragile truce holding, de Mistura felt optimistic enough to resume peace talks in Geneva.

Harvard University

I'm still uncertain as to whether or not I'm tenacious, inquisitive, or optimistic enough to be an ecologist.

Harvard University

Now she feels optimistic enough to let Ghazal wait for marriage.

The New York Times

Jim Fassel said his dreams for the Giants were not optimistic enough.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm not optimistic enough to imagine this movie will produce change.

The New York Times - Magazine

You might say Mr. Richter is a pessimist who is optimistic enough to paint anyway.

The New York Times - Arts

"I wanted something good fun — colorful, light, optimistic, enough of things being negative!" the designer declared backstage.

The New York Times

The number suggested that companies were optimistic enough to use profits from exports to invest in factories and offices.

The New York Times

She is optimistic enough that she has bought her uncle a new wardrobe and has set up a battery of medical appointments for him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "optimistic enough" when you want to convey a sense of optimism that meets a specific threshold or is adequate for a particular situation. For example, "The forecast is optimistic enough to justify the investment."

Common error

Avoid using "optimistic enough" when a more neutral or realistic assessment is appropriate. Overusing optimistic language can undermine credibility, especially in situations requiring objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "optimistic enough" typically functions as an adverbial modifier that intensifies the adjective "optimistic". It describes the degree or extent to which someone holds an optimistic view, often in relation to a specific action, decision, or belief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "optimistic enough" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a sufficient level of optimism to justify a particular action or belief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media, academic, and formal business contexts. The phrase suggests a balanced viewpoint, where optimism is tempered with realism, which is a key takeaway. Alternatives include "sufficiently optimistic" and "adequately hopeful", which offer slight variations in nuance. When using this phrase, it’s important to avoid overstating optimism and ensure the degree of optimism is appropriate for the given situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sufficiently optimistic

Emphasizes having just the right amount of optimism needed.

adequately hopeful

Focuses on meeting a minimum requirement for hopefulness.

quite optimistic

Suggests a notable degree of optimism, but not necessarily the exact amount needed.

reasonably confident

Highlights a justified sense of confidence based on available information.

hopeful enough

Similar to "optimistic enough" but places more direct emphasis on hope.

positive enough

Focuses on a general positive outlook rather than specific optimism.

so optimistic as to

A more formal and emphatic way to express a high degree of optimism.

bullish enough

Indicates a strong optimism, often used in business or financial contexts.

bright enough

Implies a positive outlook with respect to the future.

secure enough

Emphasizes feeling safe and having confidence in a particular situation or outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "optimistic enough" to describe a level of optimism that is sufficient or adequate for a particular purpose. For example: "Are we "confident enough" to proceed with the plan?" or "The initial results were "encouraging enough" to continue the research."

What are some alternatives to "optimistic enough"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "sufficiently optimistic", "adequately hopeful", or "reasonably confident". Each of these carries a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it better to be "optimistic enough" or "too optimistic"?

While optimism is generally positive, being "too optimistic" can lead to unrealistic expectations and poor decision-making. Being "optimistic enough" suggests a balanced view, where optimism is tempered with realism. It depends on the context, but a balanced approach is generally advisable.

When is it appropriate to use "not optimistic enough"?

Use "not optimistic enough" when you want to express a lack of sufficient optimism to justify an action or belief. For example: "The sales figures are "not encouraging enough" to warrant further investment."