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.
