The word OPTIMISTIC describes someone who is hopeful and confident about the future. An optimistic person tends to look at the positive side of situations, expects good outcomes, and maintains a cheerful outlook even when faced with challenges. This mindset often contributes to resilience and a proactive approach to life.
To find the antonym, we need a word that signifies the opposite of this positive and hopeful outlook. The correct answer is C: Pessimistic. A pessimistic person tends to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen. They often anticipate negative outcomes and may have a more cynical or gloomy view of the future, directly contrasting with optimism.
Let's consider the other options:
- A: Hopeful is a synonym for optimistic, meaning feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.
- B: Cheerful describes someone who is noticeably happy and optimistic, making it a characteristic often associated with optimism.
- D: Positive is also a synonym, indicating a constructive, confident, or optimistic attitude.
Therefore, 'pessimistic' is the only option that represents the direct opposite of an optimistic perspective.