View synonyms for Panglossian

Panglossian

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

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

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Word History and Origins

First recorded in 1825–35; after Pangloss, an optimistic character in Voltaire's Candide; compare Greek panglossía “garrulousness, wordiness” ( pan-, glosso-, -y ³ ); -ian

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