optimistic
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optimistic
Describes a person or attitude that looks to the future with confidence and expects things to turn out well. It is the opposite of pessimistic.
Trotz der Schwierigkeiten bleibt sie optimistisch und glaubt an eine gute Lösung.
Despite the difficulties, she remains optimistic and believes in a good solution.
'Optimistisch' (optimistic) is very commonly used with the verbs 'sein' (to be) and 'bleiben' (to remain). A typical fixed expression is also 'optimistisch in die Zukunft blicken' (to look optimistically to the future).
Trotz der schlechten Nachrichten versucht er, optimistisch zu bleiben.
Despite the bad news, he tries to remain optimistic.
The optimistic attitude is often introduced with a subordinate clause that begins with 'dass' (that). The structure is then: 'Ich bin optimistisch, dass ...' (I am optimistic that ...).
Ich bin optimistisch, dass wir das Projekt rechtzeitig abschließen werden.
I am optimistic that we will complete the project on time.
You can describe the degree of optimism more precisely with an adverb. A common and natural combination is 'vorsichtig optimistisch' (cautiously optimistic).
Die Ärzte sind nach der Operation vorsichtig optimistisch.
The doctors are cautiously optimistic after the operation.
positive
'positiv' and 'optimistisch' can both express a good view of something. 'positiv' is more general: a piece of news, an experience, or a result can be positive, meaning good or pleasant. 'optimistisch' more often describes a person or attitude that expects the future to turn out well. Learners may confuse the words because both are often connected with a good mood. The simple difference is: a result is 'positiv', while a person or their expectation is 'optimistisch'.
Trotz der schwierigen Prüfung bleibt Lena optimistisch.
Despite the difficult exam, Lena remains optimistic.
Das Gespräch mit dem Kunden war sehr positiv.
The conversation with the customer was very positive.