I just watched another episode of Modern Family, and the characters in it imply that "sanguine" is not a commonly used word in a daily setting.
According to the dictionary, sanguine is an adjective which means "optimistic or positive, especially in an apparently bad or difficult situation". e.g. "He is sanguine about prospects of the global economy". It seems to me that it's usually used in a formal or professional context?
By the way, could sanguine still mean a ruddy complexion/an optimistic disposition, or is this meaning archaic?
Thanks in advance.
The word "sanguine" is not used in everyday language, but I wouldn't say that it is archaic. It is often used with respect to personality tests such as the Myers Briggs. These are psychological tests that are meant to help you understand your personality and temperament better. The knowledge is meant to aid you in everything from choosing the right career path to understanding those with whom you work or are in various types of relationships with. Colleges and universities offer these types of assessments in their careers centers. Some religious organizations actually call in people that are certified to help their congregants (church members) determine what their temperaments are. Additionally, many people pay to have them performed online. Here are the typical temperments that one would find:
sanguine: someone who is outgoing
choleric: someone who is a natural born leader
Melancholic: a perfectionist
phlegmatic: a calm, peacemaking person
