POLLYANNA Meaning and
Definition
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Pollyanna is a term derived from the title character of a 1913 novel by American author Eleanor H. Porter. The term has since been widely adopted in English language to encapsulate a certain personality or worldview. As a noun, "Pollyanna" refers to a person who is dedicated to maintaining a relentlessly positive attitude, often to the point of being overly optimistic or excessively naively cheerful in the face of adversity or negativity.
Typically, a Pollyanna is characterized by their unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of individuals and their tendency to find the silver lining in almost any situation, no matter how dire. This disposition often leads them to view even the most challenging circumstances through rose-tinted glasses, dismissing or downplaying any negative aspects. Pollyannas tend to engage in excessive positive thinking and may be criticized for their inability to recognize or address the genuine problems or complexities of a situation.
However, it is important to note that being a Pollyanna does not necessarily imply a lack of intelligence or understanding of reality, but merely emphasizes an individual's disposition to habitually see and highlight the positive aspects of life. While the term sometimes carries a mildly derogatory connotation, it can also be used admirably to describe someone who possesses an unwaveringly optimistic outlook and serves to remind others of the brighter side of life even in difficult circumstances.
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Other Common Misspellings for POLLYANNA
Etymology of POLLYANNA
The word "Pollyanna" is derived from the title character of a popular 1913 novel called "Pollyanna", written by Eleanor H. Porter. The book tells the story of a young orphan girl named Pollyanna, who always seeks to find something positive in every situation. Pollyanna's optimistic and hopeful outlook on life, even in the face of adversity, led to the term "Pollyanna" being used to describe someone who is excessively cheerful or optimistic. The word has since become a part of the English language to refer to individuals who maintain an unreasonably positive attitude.
