# sanguine

/ˈsæŋɡwɪn/ (US) · /sˈæŋɡwɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sanguine
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. optimistic

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

feeling positive and hopeful that something will be successful.

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. blood-red

adjective · CEFR C2 · Literary

having the deep red colour of blood.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. the four humours

adjective · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

an old medical term for a person who is naturally cheerful and has a red face.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He remains sanguine about the company's future despite the recent losses.
- While the economists predicted a recession, the business owner was sanguine about her ability to adapt.
- Despite the initial setbacks in the peace negotiations, the mediator maintained a sanguine outlook, believing that both parties were ultimately committed to a resolution.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.