sanguine
UK: ˈsaŋɡwɪn | US: ˈsaŋɡwɪn
adj. cheerfully optimistic or confident
adj. (archaic) blood-red in color
adj. (obsolete) related to blood or sanguinary temperament
The word sanguine traces back to Latin sanguis ("blood"). In medieval physiology, it was associated with the "sanguine temperament," believed to be governed by blood and characterized by cheerfulness and vigor. Over time, the meaning expanded metaphorically to describe optimism (as if fueled by lifeblood) while retaining its archaic literal sense of "blood-red." The suffix -ine solidifies its adjectival form, linking it to qualities or resemblances.
Despite the setbacks, she remained sanguine about her career prospects.
The artist used a sanguine crayon to sketch the portrait.
His sanguine demeanor lifted the team’s morale during the crisis.
Medieval doctors believed a sanguine personality was due to an excess of blood.
The sunset painted the sky in sanguine hues.