Cheerful, optimistic, and lively in mood or character. In music, refers to the unaccented beat that precedes a downbeat.
Originally a musical term from the 1920s referring to the conductor's upward stroke, which typically falls on unstressed beats. The figurative sense of 'optimistic' developed from the lighter, rising motion associated with these beats.
The musical metaphor in 'upbeat' is perfect - just as upbeats lift the music forward, an upbeat attitude lifts our spirits. Conductors literally move their batons upward on these beats, creating a visual connection between rising motion and positive energy.
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