micawber

Thân thiện

Mr. Micawber waits confidently for something to turn up.

Definition

Noun: 1. A person who is unrealistically or foolishly optimistic, especially in the face of adversity or while waiting for a favorable event to happen. This term originates from a fictional character, Wilkins Micawber, in Charles Dickens's novel David Copperfield, who is perpetually hopeful that "something will turn up" to solve his financial problems.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Despite the mounting evidence against the project's success, he remained a Micawber, convinced that a last-minute investor would appear.
  • Her Micawber-like attitude was charming at first, but her refusal to make practical plans became frustrating.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used attributively (as an adjective) in the form "Micawberish" or the phrase "a Micawberish attitude" to describe the characteristic optimism of such a person.
• It can imply a degree of irresponsibility, as the original character's optimism often led him to neglect practical action.

Variants and Related Words

• Micawberish (adj): Having the characteristically unrealistic optimism of a Micawber.
  • His Micawberish faith in the stock market eventually led to significant losses.

Synonyms

• Optimist (though this is a more general and less critical term)
• Pollyanna (another literary-derived term for an excessively optimistic person)
• Idealist (focuses on pursuing ideals, which may be unrealistic)
• Dreamer (one who indulges in unrealistic hopes or fantasies)

Related Idioms

• Waiting for something to turn up: This phrase is directly associated with the character Micawber and encapsulates the passive, hopeful attitude he represents.
  • You can't just sit there waiting for something to turn up; you need to start applying for jobs.

Học thuật

Noun

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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Micawber
• Wilkins Micawber