Definition

Noun: - A fictional character created by Charles Dickens: Wilkins Micawber is a character from the novel David Copperfield, known for his distinctive personality and catchphrases. - An eternal optimist: The name "Micawber" or "Wilkins Micawber" is used to describe a person who remains hopeful and expects a positive turn of events, especially in financial matters, despite persistent difficulties or evidence to the contrary. This usage derives directly from the character's traits.

Usage Examples

• Noun (as a proper name for the character):

  • In Dickens's novel, Wilkins Micawber is famous for his unwavering belief that "something will turn up."
  • The actor portrayed Wilkins Micawber with great charm and optimism.

• Noun (as a descriptor for a personality type):

  • Don't be such a Micawber; you need a practical plan, not just hope.
  • His Wilkins Micawber attitude left him perpetually in debt but never in despair.

Advanced Usage

• "Micawberish" or "Micawber-like" (adjective): Exhibiting the traits of Wilkins Micawber, particularly foolish or unfounded optimism.
  • His Micawberish faith in the stock market was his undoing.
• "Micawberism" (noun): The philosophy or behavior characteristic of Wilkins Micawber.
  • The company's failure was a result of pure Micawberism, with no solid strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Micawber (noun): A common shortened form used to refer to the character or a person like him.
  • He's a regular Micawber, always waiting for his lucky break.

Synonyms

• Optimist: A person who tends to be hopeful and confident about the future.
• Pollyanna: A person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything (from another literary character).
• Idealist: A person who is guided more by ideals than by practical considerations.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Something will turn up": This is the catchphrase most associated with Wilkins Micawber. It is used to express a passive, hopeful expectation that a solution or opportunity will appear without active effort.
  • I haven't found a job yet, but something will turn up—that's my Micawber philosophy.

Noun

1. fictional character created by Charles Dickens; an eternal optimist