Pangloss

/ ˈpænɡlɒs /

noun

1. a person who views a situation with unwarranted optimism

Derived Forms

• Panˈglossian, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pangloss¹

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

Example Sentences

This,” said he, “is a book that was once the delight of the great Pangloss, the best philosopher in Germany.

From Project Gutenberg

No other representative of Pangloss has quite equalled Jefferson in the element of authoritative and convincing sincerity.

From Project Gutenberg

His embodiment of Dr. Pangloss has left in the memory of his time an image of eccentric character not less lovable than ludicrous.

From Project Gutenberg

His Parson Adams might have been a trifle more happily delineated; we see its error in the after-type, Pangloss.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg