Panglossian

/pænˈɡlɔsi.ən/

UK: /pænˈɡlɒsɪən/

PÆNꞬLƆSI · ən (2 syllables)

English Adj

Definition

Naively or unreasonably optimistic.

Etymology

From Dr. Pangloss, a character in Voltaire's Candide, + -ian.

Example Sentences

"Though he took a Panglossian view of the world in his youth, he became jaded as he grew older."
"Nadelmann assumes that the number of potential addicts wouldn’t soar under considerably more liberal drug laws. I can’t muster such Panglossian optimism."