Definition

Adjective: 1. Unrealistically or naively optimistic: Having an excessively idealistic, hopeful, or romantic view of something, often ignoring practical difficulties or realities. 2. Characterized by dreamy or impractical enthusiasm: Filled with excitement and wonder about future possibilities to a degree that is not grounded in reality.

Usage

The adjective "starry-eyed" is used to describe a person, their attitude, or their ideas. It typically carries a slightly negative or critical connotation, suggesting that the optimism is foolish, immature, or based on illusion rather than fact. It is often used before a noun or after a linking verb like "be" or "seem."

Examples

• She was starry-eyed about moving to the big city, imagining only fame and fortune.
• His starry-eyed vision for the project failed to consider the budget constraints.
• Don't be so starry-eyed; starting a business is much harder than it looks.
• The starry-eyed young lovers believed nothing could ever go wrong.

Advanced Usage

• "starry-eyed idealism": A common collocation referring to hopeful beliefs or principles that are not practical.
  • His political campaign was initially fueled by starry-eyed idealism.
• "starry-eyed about": This prepositional phrase is frequently used to specify the object of the unrealistic optimism.
  • He's completely starry-eyed about his new boss.

Variants and Related Words

• Starry (adj): Literally full of or lit by stars; figuratively, shining or brilliant like a star. (Note: This is the base word, but "starry-eyed" is a fixed compound adjective with a distinct meaning).
• Eyes (n): The organs of sight. (Note: The compound "starry-eyed" metaphorically suggests eyes wide with wonder, as if reflecting stars).

Synonyms

• Idealistic: Having high or noble principles, sometimes to an impractical degree.
• Naive: Lacking experience, wisdom, or judgment, often leading to simplistic trust.
• Dreamy: Tending to indulge in daydreams or fantasies.
• Unrealistic: Not showing or accepting things as they are; not practical.

Antonyms

• Realistic: Having a sensible and practical idea of what can be achieved.
• Pragmatic: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical considerations.
• Cynical: Believing that people are motivated purely by self-interest; distrustful.
• Clear-eyed: Thinking clearly and realistically; not deceived.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Have one's head in the clouds: To be out of touch with reality, often because one is dreaming or hoping for unlikely things.
  • She has her head in the clouds if she thinks she can become a movie star overnight.
• See the world through rose-colored glasses: To see only the pleasant things about a situation and therefore not recognize the problems.
  • He sees the industry through rose-colored glasses and ignores its many challenges.

Adjective

1. unrealistically or naively optimistic
   • a starry-eyed reformer
   • starry-eyed idealism