overly-optimistic
|o-ver-ly-op-ti-mis-tic|
🇺🇸
/ˈoʊvərli ˌɑptəˈmɪstɪk/
🇬🇧
/ˈəʊvəli ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/
(overly optimistic)
excessive positive expectation
Etymology
'overly-optimistic' originates from Modern English, formed by combining 'overly' (derived from 'over', meaning 'excessive' or 'too much') and 'optimistic' (from 'optimism', ultimately from Latin 'optimus', 'best').
'optimistic' developed from French 'optimisme' (19th century usage) and Latin root 'optimus' meaning 'best'; 'overly' comes from Old English 'ofer' which evolved into 'over' and then the adverbial form 'overly'. The phrase 'overly optimistic' emerged in Modern English by combining these elements to mean 'too optimistic'.
Initially, elements meant 'over' (excess) and 'best/hopeful' respectively; over time the combined phrase came to mean 'excessively hopeful' or 'unrealistically positive' about outcomes.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
excessively optimistic; having an unjustifiably high expectation of success or positive outcomes, often overlooking risks or problems.
She was overly-optimistic about the project's timeline and missed several deadlines.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/16 11:10