sanguine temperament

ancient physiology

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July 13, 2026

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The sanguine temperament, originating in ancient Greek physiology, is one of four basic temperaments linked to bodily humors. It is associated with an abundance of blood. Individuals with a sanguine temperament were historically believed to be warm, pleasant, strong, and confident. This theory, prominent during the Middle Ages, posited that the balance of humors—blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile—governed a person's health and disposition. While the scientific basis of humor theory has been superseded, the term "sanguine" endures to describe someone who is cheerfully optimistic and confident.1234

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humour
…produced a person who was sanguine (Latin sanguis, “blood”), phlegmatic, choleric, or melancholic. Each complexion had specific characteristics, and the words carried much weight that they have since lost: e.g., the choleric man was not only quick to anger but also yellow-faced, lean, hairy, proud, ambitious, revengeful, and shrewd. By…
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…produced a person who was sanguine (Latin sanguis, “blood”), phlegmatic, choleric, or melancholic. Each complexion had specific characteristics, and the words carried much weight that they have since lost: e.g., the choleric man was not only quick to anger but also yellow-faced, lean, hairy, proud, ambitious, revengeful, and shrewd. By…
Read More