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Optimistic vs Opportunistic - What's the difference?

optimistic | opportunistic |

As adjectives the difference between optimistic and opportunistic

is that optimistic is expecting the best in all possible ways while opportunistic is taking advantage of situations that arise.

optimistic

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Expecting the best in all possible ways.
  • in an optimistic mood
    optimistic plans
    took an optimistic view

    Antonyms

    * pessimistic

    opportunistic

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • taking advantage of situations that arise
  • :* The danger now isn't so much from the AIDS virus itself as from opportunistic infections.
  • said of people who will take advantage of situations to advance their own interests, without regard for principles
  • :* You can't trust somebody that opportunistic -- she'll stab you in the back the first chance she gets.
  • Derived terms

    * nonopportunistic * opportunistically