Pollyanna
Say it: pol-ee-AN-uh /ˌpɒliˈænə/ · noun
What “Pollyanna” means
Someone who stays cheerful by ignoring how bad things are.
More precisely: A person who is relentlessly, unrealistically optimistic.
Example: “Call me a Pollyanna, but I think this project can still ship on time.”
When to use it
For someone whose optimism seems unrealistic, usually as a teasing or mildly critical description in everyday conversation.
Similar words
optimist, idealist, dreamer
Where it comes from
From the heroine of Eleanor H. Porter's 1913 novel Pollyanna.
Quick check
A picnic is flooded, the food is ruined, and Sam insists everything is wonderful. What might you call Sam?
a Pollyanna or a realist?
Show the answer
a Pollyanna
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “Pollyanna”