adjective
sanguine
SANG-gwin/ˈsæŋɡwɪn/
Optimistic about what will happen.
The sanguine gardener smiles hopefully while righting a windblown plant.
Etymology
Originally describing blood or a blood-red color, “sanguine” became a word for hopeful confidence because old medicine attributed a cheerful, lively temperament to a predominance of blood among the four humors.
In context
there are shared areas of opportunity. Horizon is one of the most obvious and high-profile opportunities. It has been quite heartening but also surprising to hear that people are fairly sanguine and are working through solutions.
More examples
- Investors seem sanguine about the company's future.
- I'm less sanguine than you are about our chances.
- His sanguine outlook helps the team stay motivated.
Forms
sanguine
Similar words
- optimistic
- The more common term for expecting favorable outcomes.
- hopeful
- Suggests a desired outcome without necessarily expecting it confidently.
- confident
- Emphasizes certainty or assurance rather than a hopeful outlook.