Sanguine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sanguine

[หˆsรฆล‹.ษกwษชn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

Optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation. This person always looks on the bright side of life and is confident that things will work out.

Synonyms

cheerful, hopeful, optimistic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sanguine

Use 'sanguine' when you want to describe someone's positive outlook, especially under challenging circumstances. It often has a tone of calmness and unworried confidence.

  • Despite the economic recession, the CEO remained sanguine about the company's future.
  • She had a sanguine smile as she faced the difficult exam.
optimistic

Use 'optimistic' when you want to describe someone who generally expects the best possible outcome. It is often used to describe someone's general perspective or worldview.

  • She is optimistic about the new project being a success.
  • Despite the challenges, he remained optimistic about the future.
cheerful

Use 'cheerful' when you want to describe someone who is noticeably happy, friendly, and in good spirits. It is often used to describe someone's demeanor or personality.

  • The cheerful waiter made us feel welcome in the restaurant.
  • Her cheerful attitude made the whole team feel better.
hopeful

Use 'hopeful' when you want to describe someone who is looking forward to a positive outcome with a sense of expectation. It is often used to describe someone's feelings about the future.

  • We are hopeful that the weather will be nice for the picnic.
  • The doctor was hopeful about the patient's recovery.

Examples of usage

  • Despite facing many challenges, she remained sanguine about the future.
  • His sanguine attitude helped him overcome obstacles with ease.
Context #2 | Adjective

medical

Having a healthy reddish skin color, used to describe a person's complexion. This term is often used in the context of health assessments.

Synonyms

flushed, rosy, ruddy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sanguine

Use this word when describing someone who is optimistic or positive, especially in a bad or difficult situation.

  • Despite the challenges, she remained sanguine about their chances of success.
  • He spoke with sanguine confidence about the future of the company.
ruddy

This word is often used to describe a person's face having a healthy red color, typically from outdoor activities or robust health.

  • His ruddy complexion was a result of spending a lot of time outdoors.
  • She had a ruddy face from walking in the brisk winter air.
rosy

This word is suitable for describing a healthy reddish tint to someoneโ€™s cheeks or an optimistic view of something.

  • Her cheeks turned rosy after spending time in the cold wind.
  • He had a rosy outlook on their financial prospects.
flushed

This word is best used when describing someone whose face has turned red, typically due to embarrassment, illness, or physical exertion.

  • Her cheeks were flushed after running up the stairs.
  • He was flushed with embarrassment when his mistake was pointed out.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor noted her sanguine complexion as a sign of good health.
  • A sanguine appearance can be an indicator of proper blood circulation.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Individuals with a sanguine disposition tend to be outgoing and social, often bringing energy to group activities.
  • Positive psychology recognizes optimism as a trait that can significantly enhance mental health and resilience.
  • Research indicates that staying sanguine can help individuals cope better with stress and adversity.

Literature

  • Sanguine characters often symbolize hope and positivity in literature, providing contrast to more brooding figures.
  • The term is used in various literary contexts to depict characters who maintain an upbeat attitude despite challenges.
  • Classic literary works frequently highlight sanguine protagonists, emphasizing the importance of hope in human experience.

Art

  • In art, 'sanguine' also describes a reddish-brown color used in drawing, likened to the color of blood.
  • Artists in the Renaissance period often used sanguine pigment for its warm tones, evoking a sense of life and vibrancy in portraits.
  • Notable works using sanguine tones include sketches by masters like Leonardo da Vinci, conveying emotion through color.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often referenced in music, expressing a buoyant spirit in various genres, from pop to jazz.
  • Songs about hope or resilience frequently use the concept of being sanguine to describe a positive outlook despite hard times.
  • Sanguine characters appear in films and television, often as the optimistic friend or hero who lifts others' spirits.

Origin of 'sanguine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'sanguis', which means blood, highlighting the idea of being lively and full of life.
  • In medieval times, 'sanguine' was associated with one of the four bodily humors, believed to be linked to a cheerful temperament.
  • It has evolved in usage over centuries from primarily describing a blood-related quality to embody an optimistic outlook.

The word 'sanguine' originated from the Latin word 'sanguineus', which means 'of blood' or 'bloody'. In ancient times, sanguine was associated with the belief that a person's temperament and personality were influenced by the balance of bodily fluids, particularly blood. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent a positive and optimistic outlook. Today, 'sanguine' is commonly used to describe a hopeful and cheerful attitude, as well as a healthy complexion.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,070, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.