Which term refers to an excessively or blindly optimistic person?

Which term refers to an excessively or blindly optimistic person?

• A. Indolent
• B. Internicine
• C. Pugilistic
• D. Pollyanna

Answer: (D)

Pollyanna captures the idea of someone who is excessively or blindly optimistic. The name comes from a fictional character known for always looking on the bright side, sometimes in a way that ignores practical difficulties. That makes it the natural term for a person who maintains unwavering optimism, even to the point of naivety. You can use it as a noun (a Pollyanna) or, less commonly, as an adjective (Pollyannish) to describe such a mindset. Indolent describes laziness, lacking energy. Internecine refers to internal conflict or fighting within a group. Pugilistic relates to boxing or fighting. None of these convey the sense of relentless, blind optimism that Pollyanna does, which is why they don’t fit this prompt.

Pollyanna captures the idea of someone who is excessively or blindly optimistic. The name comes from a fictional character known for always looking on the bright side, sometimes in a way that ignores practical difficulties. That makes it the natural term for a person who maintains unwavering optimism, even to the point of naivety. You can use it as a noun (a Pollyanna) or, less commonly, as an adjective (Pollyannish) to describe such a mindset.

Indolent describes laziness, lacking energy. Internecine refers to internal conflict or fighting within a group. Pugilistic relates to boxing or fighting. None of these convey the sense of relentless, blind optimism that Pollyanna does, which is why they don’t fit this prompt.