Someone who is sanguine about an outcome is cheerfully optimistic or confident that things will work out favorably—even if the odds are stacked against them. This term on its own is positive, but sanguine is often used to describe people who have an exceedingly rosy outlook in situations that would seem to call for the opposite. In those cases, sanguine may suggest a degree of naiveté.

The noun skill is a general term for the ability, rooted in one’s knowledge or practice, to do something well. The noun dexterity is more specific: it refers to one’s skill or adroitness in using the hands or body. A person who displays great dexterity is highly coordinated and able to perform a challenging physical activity with precision and ease. Dexterity is also used to refer to cleverness or agility of the mind.

To shun something is to take pains to avoid it. To eschew something is to abstain from it or keep away from it. They are very close in meaning, but eschew is more often used to talk about the avoidance of a course of action that is perceived as unwise or detrimental to a specific outcome. The verb shun is more likely to be used to convey aversion or loathing.