What does sanguineness mean?
Sanguineness is the noun for a hopeful, confident, and optimistic outlook, particularly about what lies ahead. It can describe a person's temperament, as in someone whose confidence sustains them through setbacks, or the general spirit of an enterprise, institution, or forecast. The word often suggests optimism that is notably strong and may occasionally appear excessive in light of the circumstances. Its sound can make it sound more emotionally positive than the more neutral term optimism, while its rarity gives it a formal or literary character. Sanguineness should not be confused with sanguinity, which concerns blood relationships rather than hopefulness. In contemporary usage, it is most natural in descriptive prose and commentary rather than everyday conversation.
nounThe quality of being sanguine: optimistic, hopeful, and confident about the future, especially in circumstances where such confidence may seem unwarranted.
- Optimism, hopefulness, or confident expectation about the future.
- Cheerful confidence or buoyancy of spirit.
"Despite the early setbacks, her sanguine nature carried the team through the crisis."
"His usual sanguineness carried him through long periods of difficult work."
"The forecast reflected the committee's cautious optimism rather than its customary sanguineness."
The regular plural is rarely needed because the noun is uncommon and is usually used in the singular or as an uncountable abstract noun.
"Their different sanguinesses shaped how each member responded to the uncertainty."
Sanguineness began with the idea of blood: its modern optimism is a bright metaphorical descendant of an older association with vitality and health.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sanguineness come from?
Sanguineness was formed in English by adding the suffix -ness to sanguine. The adjective sanguine ultimately comes through French from Latin sanguineus, meaning “of blood” and by extension “bloody,” with senses involving health, vitality, and a sanguine temperament. Its English meaning developed toward optimism or confident hopefulness, based on the traditional association of blood with bodily health and vitality. The related word consanguinity comes from Latin consanguinitas and refers to kinship, preserving the same broader family of meanings connected with blood.
How sanguineness is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon and literary noun. It often conveys an especially strong or sometimes slightly unrealistic degree of optimism.
Easily confused with sanguineness
Sanguineness means optimism or hopeful confidence, whereas sanguinity means kinship or a relationship by common descent.
Sanguineness is the noun naming a hopeful outlook, while sanguine is the adjective describing a person, outlook, or prediction that is optimistic.