Panglossian

[ pan-glos-ee-uhn, -glaw-see-, pang- ]

adjective

1. characterized by or given to extreme optimism, especially in the face of unrelieved hardship or adversity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Panglossian¹

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

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

With fingers crossed and a Panglossian belief that this can be the best of all possible theater worlds, here is my cautious curation of what will be worthwhile in a maybe-this-time season.

From Washington Post