Optimist
/ˈɒp.tɪ.mɪst/noun
A person who tends to expect good outcomes or see the positive side of things.
Did you know?Optimist entered English in the 18th century through French, and its deeper root is Latin optimus, the same superlative behind ancient ideas of the “best” possible outcome.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₂ep-
“to take, seize, or choose”
Latin
Latin
optāre
“to choose, wish, or desire”
Latin
Latin
optimus
“best, the very best”
18th Century
French
optimiste
“one who believes in the best or most favorable outcome”
18th Century
English
optimist
“a person inclined to expect the best”