Pangloss

/ (ˈpænɡlɒs) /

noun

a person who views a situation with unwarranted optimism

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What does “clement” mean?

having or claiming to have the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision.

mild or merciful in disposition or character; lenient; compassionate.

favorite; cherished.

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Derived forms of Pangloss

Panglossian, adjective

Word Origin for Pangloss

C19: after Dr Pangloss, a character in Voltaire's Candide (1759)

Words nearby Pangloss

Pangaea, pangender, pangenesis, Pan-Germanism, Pang-fou, Pangloss, Panglossian, pangola grass, pangolin, Pango Pango, pangram

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example sentences from the Web for Pangloss

Jefferson has had the character of Pangloss in his repertory for almost forty years.
Shadows of the Stage|William Winter
Pangloss explained to him how everything was so constituted that it could not be better.
Candide|Voltaire
During their voyage they reasoned a good deal on the philosophy of poor Pangloss.
Candide|Voltaire
There is a half-truth in the philosophy of Dr. Pangloss, and if fettered limbs go lame, the chains are not always clanking.
The Drunkard|Cyril Arthur Edward Ranger Gull

The spirit of Pangloss came upon me again as I thought of all I had seen that day,—there was nothing like it in my day.
Mystic London:|Charles Maurice Davies

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