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” ( see pan-, glosso-, -y ³); see -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

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 • Aug. 31, 2022

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 • Apr. 8, 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