I've been confused for a long time about how certain Japanese words map onto
the meaning of "optimistic" and "pessimistic" in English. Specifically, what
is the difference between

**(Optimistic)** 楽天的、楽観的、積極的 ?

and

**(Pessimistic)** 悲観的、消極的 ?

I have a vague impression that 積極的 and 消極的 are more about behavior, while 楽天的
and 悲観的 are more about hopes/expectations; is that right?
CC BY-SA 3.0
2014-11-28T02:50:47.450
19691
2015-01-25T04:51:43.733
1726
question
word-choice words usage definitions
Differences between words for "optimistic" and "pessimistic"
積極的 being translated to "optimistically" would be limited to taking on a task
that seems doomed from the outset. The actual meaning is more along the line
of positively, actively and such an effort may be viewed as optimistic when
the odds are against you.
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-01-25T04:51:43.733
21444
2015-01-25T04:51:43.733
9210
19691
answer