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quixoticextremely idealistic and unrealistic; pursuing noble but impractical goals

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: extremely idealistic and unrealistic; pursuing noble but impractical goals

Pronunciation (IPA): /kwɪkˈsɑːtɪk/

Example Sentences

  • His quixotic plan to become a K-pop star at age 50 amused his family.
  • The company's quixotic goal of zero carbon emissions by next month was impossible.
  • She had a quixotic dream of teaching world peace through interpretive dance.

quixotic

ADJECTIVE

[/kwɪkˈsɑːtɪk/]

extremely idealistic and unrealistic; pursuing noble but impractical goals

The old knight charges a windmill, convinced it's a giant — a truly quixotic quest.
💡 Concept

The old knight charges a windmill, convinced it's a giant — a truly quixotic quest.

Quixotic dreams of exotic lands turn chaotic in reality.
🎵 Rhyme

Quixotic dreams of exotic lands turn chaotic in reality.

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/kwɪkˈsɑːtɪk/
🇬🇧 UK/kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/

🌳Etymology

RootQuixote
Suffix--ic

Origin

From the Spanish novel 'Don Quixote' (1605) by Miguel de Cervantes, which tells the story of an idealistic knight-errant pursuing unrealistic adventures. The word entered English in the 18th century, derived from the protagonist's name.

Breakdown

Quixote (Spanish protagonist name) + -ic (adjective suffix) = quixotic

🎵Rhyme

exoticneuroticchaotic
exotic
neurotic
chaotic

🔗Collocations

quixotic quest
quixotic idealism
quixotic attempt
quixotic crusade
quixotic nature

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

His quixotic plan to become a K-pop star at age 50 amused his family.

The company's quixotic goal of zero carbon emissions by next month was impossible.

😄 Fun example

She had a quixotic dream of teaching world peace through interpretive dance.

His quixotic mission to read every book in the library started enthusiastically.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

idealisticunrealisticimpracticalromanticvisionary

Antonyms

realisticpracticalpragmatic

Related

utopianfancifulchivalrousnoble

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