Panglossian

[ pan-glos-ee-uhn, -glaw-see-, pang- ]

adjective

1. characterized by or given to extreme optimism, especially in the face of unrelieved hardship or adversity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Panglossian¹

First recorded in 1825–35; after Pangloss, an optimistic character in Voltaire's Candide; compare Greek panglossía “garrulousness, wordiness” ( pan-, glosso-, -y ³ ); -ian

Example Sentences

The Panglossian view of natural selection is an appealing idea to us as human beings, you argue, because brains have foresight.

From The Daily Beast

I know this sounds panglossian, and others have made strong arguments against such a scenario.

From The Daily Beast

This is simply a Panglossian idea, policy as wishful thinking.

From The Daily Beast

When my master adopted the Panglossian view of the universe I used no arguments that might cloud his serenity.

From Project Gutenberg