YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME
Sanguine
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UNDERSTAND THE WORD
Meaning in plain English
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Pronunciation
Sanguine/ˈsæŋɡwɪn/
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The plan faces problems
You still expect a good outcome
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Examples in context
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- Despite the downturn in the market, the CEO remained sanguine about the company’s future.
- She was surprisingly sanguine after the rejection, already making plans for what’s next.
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Quick word quiz
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Despite the downturn in the market, the CEO remained ________ about the company’s future.
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Sanguine — Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.
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Optimistic or positive, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.
Compare: Despite the downturn in the market, the CEO remained sanguine about the company’s future.
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Sanguine about an uncertain outcome
In its common modern sense, sanguine means hopeful and confident about an outcome. Use sanguine about the future or sanguine that something will succeed. It describes an attitude, not a guarantee. Someone can remain sanguine while acknowledging risks and preparing for setbacks.
In context: Despite a slow start, the gardeners remained sanguine about the harvest.
Try it: If a manager is sanguine about a project, does that prove it will succeed?
Check the explanation
No. The adjective reports the manager’s optimistic view. Evidence about the project is a separate matter.
Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Sanguine.
Word origin
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