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

In the other, titles sounded optimistic, almost Panglossian.

From New York Times

But Mr. Clinton’s was not an isolated Panglossian view in the West in the decade after Mr. Gorbachev’s actions led to the end of the Cold War and the end of the Soviet Union.

From New York Times

Elghanian’s letters reveal a lonely man still trying to oversee his businesses and family affairs as the old regime collapses, clinging to a Panglossian belief that things will be all right.

From Washington Post

Must we accept the Panglossian notion that the conventional slow grind of justice is the best of all possible systems?

From Washington Post