| 释义 |
optimist, n. (a.)|ˈɒptɪmɪst|
[f. as prec. + -ist. Cf. F. optimiste (1752 in Dict. Trévoux, 1762 in Dict. Acad.).]
1. One who holds or believes in the metaphysical principle of optimism.
1783T. Twining in Recreat. & Stud. (1882) 119 Oh, commend me to the gentle philanthropists and optimists..who think all well while they are well themselves! 1791C. Smith Celestina IV. 112 You must learn to be more of an Optimist, and to believe that whatever happens could not, nor ought not, to have been otherwise. 1792M. Wollstonecraft Rights Wom. i. 19 Rousseau became enamoured of solitude; and, being at the same time an optimist, he labours with uncommon eloquence to prove that man was naturally a solitary animal. 1832Pusey in Liddon, etc. Life (1893) I. x. 224 A true Christian can be the only real Optimist, for he alone can feel that happen what may, it must be best since it comes from a Father's love. 1878Geo. Eliot Coll. Breakf. P. 496, I am no optimist whose faith must hang On hard pretence that pain is beautiful.
2. One who is inclined to practical optimism; a person who looks on the bright side of things; one disposed, with or without sufficient reason, to hope for the best or think favourably of circumstances.
1766E. Griffith Lett. Henry & Frances IV. 217, I am a perfect Optimist. I rejoice in a Lottery, when the five thousand Prize passes me by,..I immediately conclude that Fortune has palmed the Ten Thousand for me. 1819Gentl. Mag. 529 On the subjects of revenue, commerce, and finance, he was a decided optimist. 1833W. F. Hook in Stephens Life iv. 258, I am a bit of an optimist, I always look to the bright side of things. 1895Sir W. Harcourt in Daily News 23 May 2/1, I have always observed that good physicians are optimists.
B. adj. (attrib. use of n.) Characterized by optimism; optimistic.
1863Dicey Federal St. I. 283 The objection to this optimist view is, that it does not take into account the extra⁓ordinary social influence of slavery. 1865Sat. Rev. 11 Mar. 287 We are reminded of the optimist governess..who, when the weather was very bad, was still thankful because it was better than none at all. 1880T. Hughes in Academy 24 Jan. 62 His view is somewhat too optimist. |