meliorist
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈmɛliəˌrɪst/
KK: /mɛliəˌrɪst/
adjective
Definition
Relating to the belief that the world can be made better through human effort and improvement.
Example
The meliorist approach to social issues emphasizes the potential for positive change through collective action.
Conversation
I read an article about how some people are meliorist in their views on society.
Oh really? What does that mean exactly?
It means they believe we can improve things over time, rather than just accepting things as they are.
That's a refreshing perspective; we definitely need more meliorist thinkers in the world.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
optimistic
hopeful
progressive
Antonyms
pessimistic
cynical
regressive
noun
Definition
A person who believes that the world can be made better through human effort and improvement.
Example
As a meliorist, she dedicated her life to social reform and helping others.
Conversation
I just read an interesting article about being a meliorist.
Oh really? What does that mean exactly?
It’s someone who believes in making things better over time.
Root Explanation
Meliorist → It is formed from 'melior' (from Latin 'melior', meaning better) and '-ist' (meaning one who practices or is concerned with). A meliorist is someone who believes in the possibility of improvement or making things better.
Memory Tip
Think of someone who believes in making things 'better' ('melior') and the '-ist' means they are a person who practices that belief.
Visually Confused Words
mediocrist
minorist
memorist
melonist
melodist
merist
meladiorite