Question

what does the suffix -ist mean in the word optimist?
among the three sisters, the optimist had the brightest outlook.
one who shows a trait or ability
one who fights conviction or principle
one who has imagination or inner vision
one who does or believes something

Explanation:

To determine the meaning of the suffix \(-\text{ist}\) in "optimist", we analyze the context and the definition of "optimist" (someone who believes in the best outcome). The suffix \(-\text{ist}\) typically denotes a person who does or believes something. Let's check the options:

• "one who shows a trait or ability" doesn't fit (optimist is about belief, not just showing a trait).
• "one who fights conviction or principle" is incorrect (optimist doesn't fight principles).
• "one who has imagination or inner vision" is not related to optimism.
• "one who does or believes something" matches, as an optimist believes in a positive outlook.

Answer:

one who does or believes something