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Panglossian

adjective
Pan·​gloss·​ian | \ pan-ˈglä-sē-ən, paŋ-, -ˈglȯ-\

Definition of Panglossian

: 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.

First Known Use of Panglossian

1831, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for Panglossian

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

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Dictionary Entries near Panglossian

Pangium

pangless

panglima

Panglossian

pangola grass

pangolin

pangram

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The first known use of Panglossian was in 1831

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