optimist

Noun
US[op-tuh-mist]/ˈɑptəmɪst/3 syllables

Open English WordNet

Noun (1)

  1. a person disposed to take a favorable view of thingsOpposite pessimistType of actor, doerKinds millenarian, millenarist
Word of the day · Sep 28About this word
onerousadjective

What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz

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Webster's Dictionary (1913)

Op′ti·mist noun

Origin: Cf. F. optimiste.

1. Metaphysics One who holds the opinion that all events are ordered for the best.

2. One who looks on the bright side of things, or takes hopeful views; one who experiences optimism{2}; — opposed to pessimist.

Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54

The Devil's Dictionary

OPTIMIST, n. A proponent of the doctrine that black is white. A pessimist applied to God for relief. "Ah, you wish me to restore your hope and cheerfulness," said God. "No," replied the petitioner, "I wish you to create something that would justify them." "The world is all created," said God, "but you have overlooked something -- the mortality of the optimist."
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