Panglossian
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of Panglossian
First recorded in 1825–35; after Pangloss, an optimistic character in Voltaire's Candide; compare Greek panglossía “garrulousness, wordiness” ( see pan-, glosso-, -y 3); see -ian
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Must we accept the Panglossian notion that the conventional slow grind of justice is the best of all possible systems?
From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2022
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
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
