Word Definitions

san·guine (snggwn)
adj.

1.  
   1. Color. Of the color of blood; red.
   2. Of a healthy, reddish color; ruddy: a sanguine complexion.
2. Archaic.
   1. Having blood as the dominant humor in terms of medieval physiology.
   2. Having the temperament and ruddy complexion formerly thought to be characteristic of a person dominated by this humor; passionate.
3. Cheerfully confident; optimistic.

Word History: Perhaps one has wondered what the connection between sanguinary, “bloodthirsty,” and sanguine, “cheerfully optimistic,” could be. The connection can be found in medieval physiology with its notion of the four humors (blood, bile, phlegm, and black bile). These four body fluids were thought to determine a person's temperament, or distinguishing mental and physical characteristics. Thus, if blood was the predominant humor, one had a ruddy face and a disposition marked by courage, hope, and a readiness to fall in love.