Sanguine is a sophisticated alternative to ‘optimistic’ that carries an aura of evidence-based confidence rather than mere cheerfulness. The historical link to humoral theory survives only as etymology — but the temperamental nuance remains: a sanguine person is hopeful by disposition, not by ignorance of risks.
For UPSC Mains, the word works well in answers and essays when you want to register measured optimism — about an economic forecast, a treaty’s prospects, or India’s demographic dividend. Use it sparingly; overusing ‘sanguine’ makes prose sound mannered. A single, well-placed sentence is enough.
