optimistic English · revision 15306

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1845}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/ ''(UK)''; /ˌɑptɪˈmɪstɪk/, /ˌɑptəˈmɪstɪk/ ''(US)''^(Wiktionary)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[af|en|optimist|-ic]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Characterized by optimism, disposed to take the most hopeful view: 1845 in Etymonline, 1848 in the OED.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) Optimistical is older, from 1809.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Of an estimate, unrealistically high, is a modern use.^(COED 2004)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1809 – optimistical.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1845 – optimistic.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1848 – first in the OED.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Hopeful and confident about the future.^(COED 2004)^(LDOCE 2009)

+ # Of an estimate, too high; [[unrealistic]].^(COED 2004)^(NODE 1998)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[optimistically]]

+ * [[nonoptimistic]]

+ * [[superoptimistic]]

+ * [[unoptimistic]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[optimal]]

+ * [[optimism]]

+ * [[optimist]]

+ * [[optimum]]

+ * [[pessimistic]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}