Pollyanna


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Related to Pollyanna: Pollyanna principle

Pol·ly·an·na

 (pŏl′ē-ăn′ə)
n.
A person regarded as being foolishly or blindly optimistic.
[After the heroine of the novel Pollyanna, , by Eleanor Hodgman Porter (1868-1920), American writer.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Pollyanna

(ˌpɒlɪˈænə)
n
a person who is constantly or excessively optimistic
[C20: after the chief character in Pollyanna (1913), a novel by Eleanor Porter (1868–1920), US writer]
ˌPollyˈannaish, ˌpollyˈannish adj
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

Pol•ly•an•na

(ˌpɒl iˈæn ə)

n., pl. -nas.
an excessively optimistic person.
[1920–25, Amer.; from the child heroine created by Eleanor Porter (1868–1920), U.S. writer]
Pol`ly•an′na•ish, adj.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Pollyanna

noun
One who expects a favorable outcome or dwells on hopeful aspects:
optimist.
The American Heritage® Roget's Thesaurus. Copyright © 2013, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Translations

Pollyanna

[pɒlɪˈænə] N → optimista mf redomado/a
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
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References in classic literature ?
In due time came the telegram announcing that Pollyanna would arrive in Beldingsville the next day, the twenty-fifth of June, at four o'clock.
"Nancy," she said a few minutes later, at the kitchen door, "I found a fly up-stairs in Miss Pollyanna's room.
That is all." And she turned away--Miss Polly's arrangements for the comfort of her niece, Pollyanna, were complete.
Over and over in her mind she was saying it "light hair, red-checked dress, straw hat." Over and over again she was wondering just what sort of child this Pollyanna was, anyway.
"Of course I'm Pollyanna, and I'm so glad you came to meet me!
"You--you did?" stammered Nancy, vaguely wondering how Pollyanna could possibly have known her--and wanted her.
The three were off at last, with Pollyanna's trunk in behind, and Pollyanna herself snugly ensconced between Nancy and Timothy.
I hope 'tis--I love to ride," sighed Pollyanna, as the wheels began to turn.
Pollyanna paused for breath, and Nancy managed to stammer:
I do, too," nodded Pollyanna, again with that choking little breath.
"But who ARE you?" questioned Pollyanna. "You don't look a bit like a Ladies' Aider!"
"Oh, I'm so glad," exulted Pollyanna. "I love carpets.
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