Hypertext Webster Gateway: "optimism"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Optimism \Op"ti*mism\, n. [L. optimus the best; akin to optio
choice: cf. F. optimisme. See {Option}.]
1. (Metaph.) 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.
2. A disposition to take the most hopeful view; -- opposed to
{pessimism}.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
optimism
n 1: the optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well
[ant: {pessimism}]
2: a general disposition to expect the best in all things [ant:
{pessimism}]
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