Panglossian

American  

[pan-glos-ee-uhn, -glaw-see-, pang-] / pænˈglɒs i ən, -ˈglɔ si-, pæŋ- /

adjective

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

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Etymology

Origin of Panglossian

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

Of course, there are limits to taking a Panglossian attitude and psyching ourselves up in the face of challenges.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

In the other, titles sounded optimistic, almost Panglossian.

From New York Times • Nov. 8, 2023

If we think it is, it’s simply Panglossian logic: It must be the best of all possible worlds!

From Seattle Times • Jul. 16, 2021

Of all the euphemisms the Times has used for "pathological lying," "Panglossian dismissiveness" maybe the the Times-iest.

From Salon • Jun. 22, 2020

He was quite disembarrassed of that Panglossian philosophy which had hitherto induced him to believe that the Earl of Fitz-pompey was the best of all possible uncles.

From The Young Duke by Disraeli, Benjamin, Earl of Beaconsfield