sanguine
Sanguine describes a person who maintains a positive, optimistic, and hopeful outlook, even in the face of difficult or uncertain circumstances. The word originates from the Latin "sanguis" (blood); in medieval medicine, a person with an abundance of blood was thought to be naturally cheerful and confident. It is a sophisticated term often used in journalism or formal writing to describe someone's temperament or their outlook on a specific event. While it implies optimism, it is distinct from "naive" because it suggests a level of composed confidence rather than a simple lack of awareness of potential problems.
In conversation
Discussing a difficult project
Are you worried about the budget cuts?
Are you worried about the budget cuts?
Not really. I’m quite sanguine about our team’s ability to pivot.
Not really. I’m quite sanguine about our team’s ability to pivot.
Used here to express calm confidence regarding a business outcome.
Talking about the future
The housing market looks pretty bleak right now.
The housing market looks pretty bleak right now.
I don't know, I'm feeling sanguine about the long-term trends.
I don't know, I'm feeling sanguine about the long-term trends.
Demonstrates the use of the word to counter a pessimistic claim.
Examples
She remained sanguine despite the setbacks.
She remained sanguine despite the setbacks.
The investors were surprisingly sanguine about the company's recent quarterly losses.
The investors were surprisingly sanguine about the company's recent quarterly losses.
His sanguine temperament made him an excellent leader during the turbulent times of the crisis.
His sanguine temperament made him an excellent leader during the turbulent times of the crisis.
