sanguine

[sang-gwin]

adjective

1. cheerfully optimistic, sometimes to the point of seeming complacent, oblivious, or naive.

   a sanguine disposition;

   sanguine expectations.

   Synonyms: positive, optimistic, hopeful, confident, cheerful, buoyant, assured
   Antonyms: morose

2. reddish; ruddy.

   a sanguine complexion.

3. (in old physiology) having blood as the predominating humor and consequently being ruddy-faced, cheerful, etc.

4. bloody; sanguinary.

5. blood-red; red.

6. Heraldry.,  a reddish-purple tincture.

noun

1. a red iron-oxide crayon used in making drawings.

sanguine

/ ˈsæŋɡwɪn /

adjective

1. cheerful and confident; optimistic

2. (esp of the complexion) ruddy in appearance

3. blood-red

4. an obsolete word for sanguinary

noun

1. Also called: red chalk. a red pencil containing ferric oxide, used in drawing

Other Word Forms

• sanguinely adverb
• sanguineness noun
• sanguinity noun
• sanguinness noun
• nonsanguine adjective
• nonsanguinely adverb
• nonsanguineness noun
• oversanguine adjective
• oversanguinely adverb
• oversanguineness noun
• presanguine adjective
• quasi-sanguine adjective
• quasi-sanguinely adverb
• supersanguine adjective
• supersanguinity noun
• unsanguine adjective
• unsanguinely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanguine¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English sanguyne “a blood-red cloth,” from Old French sanguin, from Latin sanguineus “bloody,” equivalent to sanguin-, stem of sanguis “blood” + -eus -eous

Word History and Origins

Origin of sanguine¹

C14: from Latin sanguineus bloody, from sanguis blood

Example Sentences

Until now, he’s avoided the side of humanity that’s lighter, more sanguine and less condemned.

From Salon

The question is whether the rest of the country will be so sanguine.

From Salon

He was able to stay sanguine during the doping controversy and has also moved on quickly from the brutal nature of his French Open defeat.

From BBC

Not all are sanguine regarding the Saudis’ gilt-edged charm offensive.

From Los Angeles Times

Uchis sampled her mother’s voice from a home movie in “Sunshine & Rain…,” the album’s sanguine lead single.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• buoyant 
• cheerful 
• confident 
• enthusiastic 
• hopeful 
• upbeat