optimism
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optimism
A life-affirming, confident, and hopeful basic attitude. It is the belief that things will develop for the better and that a positive outcome is likely.
Trotz der vielen Rückschläge verlor sie nie ihren Optimismus.
Despite the many setbacks, she never lost her optimism.
The ending '-ismus' (-ism) is very common in German. It often denotes a worldview, a doctrine, or a mental attitude, as here with the belief in the good.
Sein unerschütterlicher Optimismus ist ansteckend.
His unshakable optimism is contagious.
'Optimismus' (optimism) is the noun in a word family. A person with this attitude is 'der Optimist' (the optimist), and the corresponding quality is described with the adjective 'optimistisch' (optimistic).
Er ist ein unverbesserlicher Optimist.
He is an incorrigible optimist.
'Optimismus' (optimism) is often combined with certain verbs and adjectives. Typical are 'seinen Optimismus bewahren' (to keep one's optimism) or 'verlieren' (to lose it), as well as 'vorsichtiger Optimismus' (cautious optimism) or 'grenzenloser Optimismus' (boundless optimism).
Selbst in schweren Zeiten bewahrte er sich seinen Optimismus.
Even in difficult times, he kept his optimism.
hope
Hoffnung usually refers to a specific desired outcome and can exist despite great uncertainty. Optimismus is more of a generally positive attitude and includes the assessment that a positive development is likely.
Wegen ihrer guten Bewerbung erwartet Lara die Antwort mit Optimismus.
Because of her strong application, Lara is optimistic as she awaits the response.
Obwohl die Chancen gering sind, hat Lara noch Hoffnung auf eine Zusage.
Although the chances are slim, Lara still hopes to receive confirmation.
