**Pollyanna** \[pol-ee-AN-uh\] (noun)
**Definition:** A person characterized by extreme optimism and a tendency to find the good in any situation, even in the face of adversity. The term can also describe an attitude of naive positivity, where one overlooks or downplays difficult realities.
**Origin:** The term “Pollyanna” comes from the protagonist of Eleanor H. Porter’s 1913 novel *Pollyanna*. In the book, Pollyanna Whittier is a young orphan who maintains a relentlessly positive outlook on life, playing what she calls “The Glad Game,” where she finds something to be glad about in every situation, no matter how dire.
While having a Pollyanna-like attitude can be beneficial in promoting resilience and hope, it is also important to balance optimism with realism to effectively navigate life’s complexities and challenges.