Sanguine

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈsæŋ.É¡wɪn/

Origin

From French sanguin, ultimately from Latin sanguineus ("of blood"), from sanguis ("blood"), of uncertain origin, perhaps Proto-Indo-European *h₁sh₂-én-, from *h₁ésh₂r̥ ("blood").

Full definition of sanguine

Adjective

1. Having the colour of blood; red.
2. (obsolete, physiology) Having a bodily constitution characterised by a preponderance of blood over the other bodily humours, thought to be marked by irresponsible mirth; indulgent in pleasure to the exclusion of important matters.
• 1592 — Shakespeare, iv 2What, what, ye sanguine, shallow-hearted boys!
• 1597 — Shakespeare, ii 4I'll be no longer guilty of this sin; this sanguine coward, thisbed-presser, this horse-back-breaker, this huge hill of flesh.
3. Characterized by abundance and active circulation of blood.a sanguine bodily temperament
4. Warm; ardent.a sanguine temper
5. Anticipating the best; optimistic; not despondent; confident; full of hope.
• 1857, Anthony_Trollope, , Volume the Second, page 79 (ISBN 1857150570)It was clear that Dr. Gwynne was not very sanguine as to the effects of his journey to Barchester, and not over anxious to interfere with the bishop.
6. sanguine of success

Usage notes

Not to be confused with sanguinary.

Synonyms

Antonyms

• gloomy
• pessimistic
• blue

Related terms

• sanguinary

Noun

1. Blood colour; red.
2. Anything of a blood-red colour, as cloth.
3. (tincture) A tincture, seldom used, of a blood-red colour (not to be confused with murrey).
4. Bloodstone.
5. Red crayon. See the Note under crayon, 1.

Verb

1. To stain with blood; to impart the colour of blood to; to ensanguine.

Related terms

• sangaree
• sangria

Anagrams

• guanines
• Guineans