Question

Select one word for the given definition:
A person who looks at the bright side of life.
a) Innocent
b) Pessimist
c) Pacifist
d) Optimist

Answer 1

Hint: The given phrase “A person who looks at the bright side” refers to a person who generally looks at the positive aspect of things, situations in life. Now, decipher the meaning of the words given and choose the one which means the same.

Complete answer:
Option a ‘innocent’ is an adjective used for someone who is free from moral wrong or isn’t corrupt. It could also be used for someone who is naïve or lacks experience or knowledge. This doesn’t refer to a person who looks at the positive side of things. Therefore, option ‘a’ is incorrect.
Option b ‘pessimist’ is an adjective which refers to someone who is cynical, or on simpler words, a person who sees or anticipates the worst to happen. This is someone who always looks at the negative aspect of things or expects only negative results. So, from this meaning, we can infer that the word ‘pessimist’ is not someone who looks at the bright side of things. Thus, option ‘b’ is incorrect.
Option c ‘pacifist’ is a person who is against or opposes war/violence as a means to solve disputes. A pacifist might believe that the waging of war by a state and the participation in war by an individual are absolutely wrong, under any circumstances. This is not someone who looks at the brighter side of things or the positive aspect. Thus, the option ‘c’ is incorrect.
Option d ‘optimist’ is an adjective that refers to a person that hopes an anticipates the best outcomes. An optimist is always hopeful about things and thinks in a positive direction and expects good outcomes from things, situations, and people. This is similar in meaning to the given phrase “A person who looks at the bright side of life.” Thus, option ‘d’ is the correct answer.

Note:
 The given sentence does not have to match word to word to the meaning of the answer. All one must check is that the given phrase and the chosen answer must hold the same core meaning.