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sanguine Definition

san·guine (saŋ′gwin)

adjective

  1. of the color of blood; ruddy: said esp. of complexions
  2. in medieval physiology, having the warm, passionate, cheerful temperament and the healthy, ruddy complexion of one in whom the blood is the predominant humor of the four
  3. cheerful and confident; optimistic; hopeful
  4. Now Rare sanguinary (sense )

Etymology: ME sanguin < MFr < L sanguineus < sanguis (gen. sanguinis), blood

sanguine Related Forms
san′·guinely adverb san′·guine·ness noun
sanguine Synonyms

sanguine

modif.

cheerful, confident, enthusiastic, expectant, optimistic; see also hopeful 1, 2.

sanguine Usage Examples

Preposition: about

  • prospect: And the IEA debaters, regardless of the perspective they were coming from, were far less sanguine about British prospects.
  • future: He writes this: âIt is not wise to be too sanguine about the future of humanity.
  • impact: Irish music industry veteran Dave O'Grady is sanguine about the impact of the internet in making a viable future for artists and independent labels.
  • problem: Astbury regarded him as too sanguine about the problems.

Modifying Another Word

  • too: We should not, however, be too sanguine.
  • so: The Institute of Organ Building, however, is not quite so sanguine about the outcome but awaits the June meeting.
  • very: But the men are gaining a knowledge of their duties so rapidly that I am very sanguine of the ultimate result.
  • not: Communists are not sanguine pacifists or neutral on the propagation of such deeply reactionary ideas in our society.
  • fairly: Of course, if your bosses are still fairly sanguine about such cards, it is possible to hasten the process.
  • remarkably: The oecd is remarkably sanguine about the immediate world outlook, believing that there will be recovery after a dip this year.

Modifies a noun

  • temperament: His sanguine temperament was disclosed in the deep color of his cheeks.
  • expectation: Our appeal has been successful, beyond oar most sanguine expectations.
  • humor: The Air signs are traditionally connected with the sanguine humor or the blood.
  • hope: Maclean's daughter Nan Milton has recalled that ' when the great day dawned, the most sanguine hopes were justified.
  • view: He hoped that a more sanguine view would be taken on what long term yields would be in the future.
  • wish: I am sure you will be glad to hear that I have got a price far beyond my most sanguine wishes for St. Clair.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: The club thus seems sanguine about the situation, with Alex Ferguson relatively pleased.
  • remain: None the less, she remains sanguine about the ability of British children from many backgrounds to grasp the basics of Mandarin.
  • feel: Somehow, Daniel didn't feel quite as sanguine about the matter as Serena apparently did.
  • appear: Fund managers appear more sanguine about the situation, however.