Etymologically
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optimistic

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 16:12. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/ (UK); /ˌɑptɪˈmɪstɪk/, /ˌɑptəˈmɪstɪk/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is from English optimist + -ic.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Characterized by optimism, disposed to take the most hopeful view: 1845 in Etymonline, 1848 in the OED.[2][4] Optimistical is older, from 1809.[2]

Semantic evolution

Of an estimate, unrealistically high, is a modern use.[5][6]

Timeline

  • 1809 – optimistical.[2]
  • 1845 – optimistic.[2]
  • 1848 – first in the OED.[4]

Modern meaning

Adjective

  1. Hopeful and confident about the future.
  2. Of an estimate, too high; unrealistic.

Word family

  • optimistically
  • nonoptimistic
  • superoptimistic
  • unoptimistic
  • optimal
  • optimism
  • optimist
  • optimum
  • pessimistic

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  4. ^ a b Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
  5. ^ Soanes, Catherine; Stevenson, Angus, eds. (2004), Concise Oxford English Dictionary, 11th ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press
  6. ^ Pearsall, Judy, ed. (1998), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, Oxford: Clarendon Press