ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sanguine

adj.
C2 Proficiency US //ˈsæŋɡwɪn// UK //sˈæŋɡwɪn// san·guine Archaic Literary

adj. feeling positive and hopeful about a difficult situation.

adj. optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. Historically associated with the 'blood' humor in medieval physiology, suggesting a courageous and hopeful temperament.


SIMPLE

He remains sanguine about the company's future despite the recent losses.

CONTEXTUAL

While the economists predicted a recession, the business owner was sanguine about her ability to adapt.

COMPLEX

Despite the initial setbacks in the peace negotiations, the mediator maintained a sanguine outlook, believing that both parties were ultimately committed to a resolution.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English sanguine, from Old French sanguin, ultimately from Latin sanguineus (“of blood”), from sanguis (“blood”) (of uncertain origin, but probably from Proto-Indo-European h₁sh₂-én-, from h₁ésh₂r̥ (“blood”), with an obscure suffix such as *-ǵʰ- (related to body parts)) + -inus + -eus. Doublet of sanguineous.

Usage

Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'remain', 'be', or 'stay'.

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