Sanguinely

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that conveys an upbeat and hopeful attitude towards life and circumstances
2. Displaying a cheerful and optimistic demeanor in the face of challenges and uncertainties
3. In a manner that shows confidence and hopeful anticipation about future events

Etymology: "Sanguinely" is simply "sanguine" with the adverb ending "-ly" attached. The ending traces back through Middle English "-ly" and Old English "-līċe" to a Proto-Germanic suffix meaning "body-like" or "resembling", descended from the same root as the English word "like". So the ending itself carries the sense of "in the manner of," and the adverb means "in a sanguine manner." The base word "sanguine" carries the more surprising history. It comes from Latin "sanguineus," meaning "of blood," from "sanguis," blood. Medieval physicians held that the body contained four humours, and an excess of blood produced a ruddy, warm, cheerful temperament. A person of that disposition was called sanguine, and the blood-red face was the visible sign of an optimistic character. The modern sense of hopeful confidence grew out of that old theory of bodily fluids.

Synonyms: optimistically, cheerfully

Antonyms: pessimistically