Sanguine
What it means
Hopeful and confident about the future.
Reach for it when describing calm confidence that events are likely to turn out well
She remained sanguine after the first trial failed.
Words to choose between 8
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal |
|
| literary |
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playful
Fits when strong confidence in growth suits finance or business
Careful Bullish is jargon and can imply aggressive certainty.
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everyday
Fits when a favorable attitude is enough
Careful Positive often reads as vague promotional approval.
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warm
Fits when desire and possibility matter more than prediction
Careful Hope can remain strong despite expecting a poor outcome.
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warm
Fits when lively good spirits are visible
Careful Upbeat is more energetic and can trivialize serious uncertainty.
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professional
Fits when belief in success or ability is central
Careful Confidence need not concern the future generally.
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professional
Fits when favorable expectation is the plain meaning
Careful Optimistic is broader and less composed.
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formal
Fits when confidence appears settled and controlled
Careful Assured can describe manner rather than outlook.
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literary
Fits when optimism remains light under pressure
Careful Buoyant can sound figurative and overly cheerful.
Opposites 3
- pessimistic
- gloomy
- despondent
Common phrases 3
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remain sanguine
The farmers remain sanguine because the reservoir is still full.
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sanguine outlook
Her sanguine outlook rests on two completed trials.
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sanguine about prospects
The cooperative is sanguine about prospects but has retained its reserve.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Only the optimistic sense is enriched here. Sanguine also has historical senses involving blood, complexion, and temperament.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, California accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated