In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which is the best one word substitute for the given description: Optimistic in an apparently difficult situation.

Introduction / Context:
This one word substitution question asks for a term that describes someone who is optimistic even when circumstances seem difficult. It assesses nuanced vocabulary knowledge, especially adjectives that describe attitudes and emotional states. Such words are widely used in literature, journalism, and exam passages, making them essential for strong verbal skills.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The descriptive phrase is "Optimistic in an apparently difficult situation".
• The options are "Sanguine", "Pallid", "Pessimistic", "Sallow", and "Cheerless".
• The correct word should capture hopeful, positive expectation despite challenges.
• We assume the standard modern meanings of all options.
• Physical appearance adjectives must be distinguished from attitude adjectives.

Concept / Approach:
The word "Sanguine" has a key meaning: cheerful and hopeful, especially in a difficult or apparently hopeless situation. Historically it was linked with a temperament that was confident and optimistic. The other options are negative or neutral, focusing on lack of colour, gloom, or a negative outlook. Thus, "Sanguine" is the precise word that replaces the descriptive phrase in the question.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the central idea: optimism despite difficulty. Step 2: Examine "Sanguine". Common dictionary definitions include "cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident". It is often used with the nuance of hopefulness even when circumstances are not clearly favourable. Step 3: Examine "Pallid". This refers to being pale, typically because of poor health or stress; it describes physical complexion, not attitude. Step 4: Examine "Pessimistic". This is directly opposite to optimistic; it means expecting the worst or having a negative outlook. Step 5: Examine "Sallow". Again, this describes a yellowish or unhealthy skin colour and relates to appearance, not mental attitude. Step 6: Examine "Cheerless". This simply means gloomy or lacking cheer, which is contrary to optimism. Step 7: Conclude that "Sanguine" is the only option that expresses optimism in a difficult situation.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify by using "Sanguine" in example sentences: "Despite the setbacks, the manager remained sanguine about the project's success", "Economists are not sanguine about immediate recovery, but some remain hopeful". In each case, the word describes optimism under challenging conditions. If we substitute "pessimistic", "pallid", or "sallow", the meaning changes entirely. This confirms that "Sanguine" is the correct one word substitute.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Pallid" relates to being pale and weak in colour or complexion; it says nothing about a person's level of optimism. "Pessimistic" is the direct opposite of optimistic and cannot be the answer. "Sallow" also refers to unhealthy looking skin colour and does not describe attitude or emotional state. "Cheerless" emphasises gloom or lack of joy, which again conflicts with the idea of being hopeful.

Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is confusing "sanguine" with "sanguinary", which relates to bloodshed and violence. Another is ignoring the emotional dimension and focusing on more familiar simple words like "cheerless", which appears to be about mood but actually has the wrong polarity. Students may also be misled by unfamiliar words and hesitate to choose "Sanguine". It is therefore important to learn not just meanings but also common collocations, such as "sanguine about the future".

Final Answer:
The correct one word substitute for "Optimistic in an apparently difficult situation" is Sanguine.