Quixotic – Meaning, Definition, Synonyms and Antonyms
Quixotic is used as an “Adjective” in the English grammar.
Meaning:
Quixotic means unrealistically idealistic or impractically romantic in pursuit of noble goals.
Definition:
The word “quixotic” describes someone who has big dreams, noble intentions, or ambitious goals that are highly unrealistic or impractical in the real world. It comes from Don it , a fictional character who tried to act like a heroic knight in a world that had long moved past knights and chivalry.
So, when someone is called “quixotic,” it means they’re idealistic to the point of being unrealistic, often chasing goals that may never be achievable—not because their dreams are bad, but because they don’t quite match how the real world works.
In short, it’s like believing you can change the world overnight with a single kind gesture—beautiful in spirit, but unlikely in practice.
Etymology:
The word “quixotic” has a colorful and literary history. Originally, it comes from the famous Spanish novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, published in the early 1600s. In the story, Don Quixote dreams of becoming a noble knight and sets out on wild, unrealistic adventures based on his imagination rather than reality. Soon after, readers began using “Quixote” as a symbol of someone who chases impossible dreams.
Later, the English language adopted the word “quixotic” to describe actions or ideas that are noble but hopelessly impractical. Over time, “quixotic” grew in popularity, appearing in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations to capture the spirit of romantic but unrealistic ambition. Today, when people describe someone as quixotic, they highlight both their noble intentions and their tendency to ignore practical limits.
Example Sentence:
- Firstly, his it dream of building a city on Mars captured the imagination of many, even though it lacked practicality.
- However, her is plan to travel the world on a bicycle was met with both admiration and skepticism.
- Consequently, the team’s it approach to solving the crisis led to delays and unexpected complications.
- On the other hand, his quixotic vision inspired a wave of creativity and bold thinking among his peers.
- Nevertheless, despite the risks involved, she pursued her it mission with unwavering passion and optimism.
Synonyms:
- Idealistic
- Unrealistic
- Impractical
- Romantic
- Dreamy
- Utopian
- Visionary
- Starry-eyed
- Impulsive
- Foolhardy
Antonyms:
- Fantastical
- Overambitious
- Chimerical
- Rash
- Illusory
- Adventurous
- Head-in-the-clouds
- Naive
- Reckless
- Overidealistic
Read more Q words:
- Positive words that start with Q
- Negative words that start with Q
- Adjectives that start with Q
- Names that start with Q
- Nouns that start with Q
- Verbs that start with Q
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