Sanguine

1. (literary) Having the colour of blood; blood red. [from late 14th c.]
2. (obsolete, physiology) Having a bodily constitution characterised by a preponderance of blood over the other bodily humours, thought to be marked by irresponsible mirth; indulgent in pleasure to the exclusion of important matters.
3. Characterized by abundance and active circulation of blood.
4. Warm; ardent.
5. Anticipating the best; optimistic; confident; full of hope. [from early 16th c.] Antonym: despondent
6. (archaic) Full of blood; bloody.
7. (archaic) Bloodthirsty.

Usage notes

Not to be confused with sanguinary.

Synonyms

• animated
• assured
• bright
• bullish
• buoyant
• ridibund

• cheerful
• cheery
• confident
• hopeful
• optimistic

• positive
• red
• spirited
• upbeat
• vivificated

Antonyms

• (optimistic): blue, gloomy, pessimistic