Optimism
['ɒptɪmɪz(ə)m] or ['ɑptɪmɪzəm]
Definition
(noun.) a general disposition to expect the best in all things.
(noun.) the optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well.
Inputed by Armand--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The opinion or doctrine that everything in nature, being the work of God, is ordered for the best, or that the ordering of things in the universe is such as to produce the highest good.
(n.) A disposition to take the most hopeful view; -- opposed to pessimism.
Typist: Naomi
Definition
n. the doctrine that everything is ordered for the best: a disposition to take a hopeful view of things—opp. to Pessimism.—v.i. Op′timise to take the most hopeful view of anything.—n. Op′timist one who holds that everything is ordered for the best.—adj. Optimist′ic.—adv. Optimist′ically.—n. Op′timum (bot.) that point of temperature at which metabolic—i.e. vegetative and fructificative processes are best carried on.
Checked by Darren
Unserious Contents or Definition
n. The doctrine or belief that everything is beautiful including what is ugly everything good especially the bad and everything right that is wrong. It is held with greatest tenacity by those most accustomed to the mischance of falling into adversity and is most acceptably expounded with the grin that apes a smile. Being a blind faith it is inaccessible to the light of disproof—an intellectual disorder yielding to no treatment but death. It is hereditary but fortunately not contagious.
Editor: Warren
Unserious Contents or Definition
A cheerful frame of mind that enables a tea-kettle to sing though in hot water up to its nose.
Checker: Reginald
Examples
- One suspects at times that our national cult of optimism is no real feeling that the world is good, but a fear that pessimism will produce panics. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- America does not play with ideas; generous speculation is regarded as insincere, and shunned as if it might endanger the optimism which underlies success. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- Although it seemed a well-nigh hopeless task, he entered upon the investigation with his usual optimism and vim. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
- There was much shallow optimism on the part of comfortable people just then. H. G. Wells. The Outline of History_Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind.
- For human nature is a rather shocking affair if you come to it with ordinary romantic optimism. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- Possibly our national optimism as revealed in invention--the seeking a higher good--needs some check. Frank Lewis Dyer. Edison, His Life and Inventions.
Edited by Constantine