Panglossian
Say it: pan-GLOSS-ee-un /pænˈɡlɒsiən/ · adjective
What “Panglossian” means
Insisting everything is for the best, even when things go wrong.
More precisely: Naively optimistic, insisting all is for the best whatever happens.
Example: “His Panglossian view of the market ignored every warning sign.”
When to use it
For blindly cheerful claims that every disaster is beneficial, usually in formal, literary or sharply critical discussion.
Similar words
naively optimistic, rose-tinted, starry-eyed
Where it comes from
From Dr Pangloss in Voltaire's satire Candide (1759).
Quick check
After the bridge collapses, an official insists this proves the town's transport system could not be better. That view is…
resilient or Panglossian?
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Panglossian
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