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What non-modern definition are you thinking of? Online dictionaries suggest that the meaning of "cheerful" or "optimistic" goes straight back to the theory of
by telemachos 16y ago
What non-modern definition are you thinking of?
Online dictionaries suggest that the meaning of "cheerful" or "optimistic" goes straight back to the theory of humors. E.g., from Dictionary.com:
3. (in old physiology) having blood as the predominating humor and consequently being ruddy-faced, cheerful, etc.
Merriam-Webster.com has something similar. Dead tree dictionaries in my house, ditto.
(Are you maybe thinking of the quasi-sound-alike 'sang-froid' => "calmness, composure; coolness of mind"?)
- sliverstorm 16y ago2 a : consisting of or relating to blood b : bloodthirsty, sanguinary It's true cheerful isn't exactly a direct opposite, but 2b sure isn't positive.
- telemachos 16y agoI was completely unaware of 2b. Thanks. (It sounds vaguely Shakespearean in that sense.)