Word
sanguine
Phoneticssan·guine, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsæŋɡwɪn/
UK/sˈæŋɡwɪn/
Definitions
01optimistic
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. feeling positive and hopeful that something will be successful.
adj. optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation.
“The director is sanguine about the company's chances of success next year.”
“Despite the recent economic downturn, the chairman remained remarkably sanguine about the firm's long-term growth prospects.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'about'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02blood-red
C2 · Proficiency Literary
adj. having the deep red colour of blood.
adj. having the colour of blood; blood-red in hue.
“The setting sun gave the clouds a sanguine glow.”
“The poet described the warrior's sanguine cloak, which matched the stained earth of the battlefield.”
Antonyms
03the four humours
C2 · Proficiency Medicine Archaic · Technical
adj. an old medical term for a person who is naturally cheerful and has a red face.
adj. relating to the 'sanguine' temperament in medieval physiology, characterized by a dominance of blood, ruddy complexion, and a courageous or hopeful nature.
“In old books, a sanguine man was thought to be happy and healthy.”
“Medieval physicians categorized him as having a sanguine temperament, attributing his high spirits to an abundance of blood.”
Teaching tip
This sense is historical; modern speakers only use 'sanguine' to mean optimistic.
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“But Sage is sanguine about experiencing a typically chaotic first transfer window in south London, and relieved to be able to concentrate on events on the pitch before Saturday’s trip to Fulham.” “Oumy has starred in some films, but Garrel seems sanguine about the fact that the acting dynasty that shares his name may come to an end with his children.” Etymology
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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