Panglossian

adjective

Pan·​gloss·​ian pan-ˈglä-sē-ən 

paŋ-,

-ˈglȯ-

: marked by the view that all is for the best in this best of possible worlds : excessively optimistic

Did you know?

Dr. Pangloss was the pedantic old tutor in Voltaire's satirical novel Candide. Pangloss was an incurable, albeit misguided, optimist who claimed that "all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds." So persistent was he in his optimism that he kept it even after witnessing and experiencing great cruelty and suffering. The name "Pangloss" comes from Greek pan, meaning "all," and glossa, meaning "tongue," suggesting glibness and talkativeness.

Word History

Etymology

Pangloss, optimistic tutor in Voltaire's Candide (1759)

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!