Words / C2

SANGW-in/ˈsæŋɡwɪn/

Sanguine means cheerfully confident that things will turn out well, even when the evidence is mixed. Use it instead of optimistic when you want a slightly old-fashioned, temperament sense — she is sanguine by nature. In speech optimistic is safer; sanguine can sound essay-like, and do not mix it with the old meaning “blood-red.”

Meaning

Cheerfully confident that things will go well.

Examples

• “She remains sanguine about the exam results.”
• “Investors were surprisingly sanguine after the fall.”
• “I am less sanguine than the minister about the timetable.”

Good to know

Cheerful confidence, not “bloody.” Everyday: optimistic.

Near in meaning

optimistic

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