Optimism is defined as a mental attitude characterized by hope and confidence in success and a positive future. Optimists tend to view hardships as learning experiences or temporary setbacks. Even the most miserable day holds the promise for them that "tomorrow will probably be better." To many psychologists, optimism reflects the belief that the outcomes of events or experiences will generally be positive.

Understanding the Context

Optimism, the theory, in philosophy, that the world is the best of all possible worlds or, in ethics, that life is worth living. It is derived from the Latin optimum (‘best’). Optimism is expecting that the best will happen. It comes from the Latin word optimus, which means "best." Even if you don’t think the very best thing will always happen, if you're generally given to optimism, you think things will get better instead of worse.

Key Insights

In ordinary English, optimism may be synonymous with idealism —often, unrealistic or foolish optimism in particular. The term derives from the Latin optimum, meaning "best". OPTIMISM meaning: 1. the quality of being full of hope and emphasizing the good parts of a situation, or a belief…. What is optimism and is it good for your well-being?

Final Thoughts

Learn what optimism is, theories about optimism, and how to be more optimistic by reading on. Optimism is an attitude characterized by hope, according to the American Psychological Association (APA). When you’re optimistic, you feel like positive things will happen and that things can... Optimism may lower dementia risk - Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public ... The glass-half-full analogy seems like an old cliche about optimism, but the people who pay attention to the water in their glasses usually end up having a better shot at success.

A positive mindset ... Greater optimism may lower the risk for developing dementia by 15%, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The data are important “because [they highlight] ...