An excessively or blindly optimistic person is a ______.

An excessively or blindly optimistic person is a ______.

• A. Pollyanna
• B. Florid
• C. Indolent
• D. Halcyon

Answer: (D)

Think of someone who always looks on the bright side and maintains optimism regardless of the situation. That description fits Pollyanna, a character famous for her unflagging, uncritical cheerfulness, so the term entered everyday use to describe a person who is blindly or excessively hopeful. Halcyon, by contrast, isn’t about people at all—it refers to a peaceful, idealized period or environment, like “halcyon days.” Florid means ornate or showy in style, and indolent means lazy. None of those capture the idea of a person who is unshakeably sunny about everything, which is why Pollyanna is the best fit.

Think of someone who always looks on the bright side and maintains optimism regardless of the situation. That description fits Pollyanna, a character famous for her unflagging, uncritical cheerfulness, so the term entered everyday use to describe a person who is blindly or excessively hopeful. Halcyon, by contrast, isn’t about people at all—it refers to a peaceful, idealized period or environment, like “halcyon days.” Florid means ornate or showy in style, and indolent means lazy. None of those capture the idea of a person who is unshakeably sunny about everything, which is why Pollyanna is the best fit.