Good Books

||Op`ti*ma"tes (?), n. pl. [L. See
Optimate.] The nobility or aristocracy of ancient Rome,
as opposed to the populares.

Op"ti*me (?), n. [L., adv. fr.
optimus the best.] One of those who stand in the second
rank of honors, immediately after the wranglers, in the University of
Cambridge, England. They are divided into senior and junior
optimes.

Op"ti*mism (?), n. [L. optimus
the best; akin to optio choice: cf. F. optimisme. See
Option.]

1. (Metaph.) The opinion or doctrine
that everything in nature, being the work of God, is ordered for the
best, or that the ordering of things in the universe is such as to
produce the highest good.

2. A disposition to take the most hopeful
view; -- opposed to pessimism.

Op"ti*mist (?), n. [Cf. F.
optimiste.]

1. (Metaph.) One who holds the opinion
that all events are ordered for the best.

2.


Pages:
2371 2372 2373 2374 2375 2376 2377 2378 2379 2380 2381 2382 2383 2384 2385 2386 2387 2388 2389 2390 2391 2392 2393 2394 2395