Pollyanna

American  

[pol-ee-an-uh] / ˌpɒl iˈæn ə /

noun

1. an excessively or blindly optimistic person.

---

adjective

1. (often lowercase) Also Pollyannaish. unreasonably or illogically optimistic.

   some pollyanna notions about world peace.

Pollyanna British  

/ ˌpɒlɪˈænə /

noun

1. a person who is constantly or excessively optimistic

---

Pollyanna Cultural  

1. (1913) A children's book by the American author Eleanor H. Porter. The title character is an orphan girl who, despite the difficulties of her life, is always extremely cheerful.

---

Discover More

A “Pollyanna” remains excessively sweet-tempered and optimistic even in adversity.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Pollyannaish
  adjective
• Pollyannaism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Pollyanna

First recorded in 1910–15; from the name of the child heroine in the novel Pollyanna (1913), written by Eleanor Hodgman Porter (1868–1920), American writer

Example Sentences

If it seems like Roberts is too Pollyanna, well, for some players, it works.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 27, 2024

They also look at the bronze statue of Pollyanna, erected outside the public library to honor the 1913 book by local author Eleanor H. Porter, whose main character came to define relentless optimism.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 5, 2024

My inner Pollyanna prevailed, and I reasoned for a moment that the end of enmity between the two men was not only possible but also would be good for the country.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2023

I didn't want the optimism to come from this Pollyanna place of we can make the world better and I want to see the best in people.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2023

Sosie had played her part, being the smiling, plucky, don’t-worry-about-me, lip-reading Pollyanna.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray