ENGLISH
REFERENCE

quixotic

adj.
C2 Proficiency Oxford US //kwɪkˈsɑtɪk// UK //kwɪksˈɒtɪk// quixot·ic Archaic

adj. to be very idealistic and hopeful in a way that is not realistic. You use this to describe someone who tries to reach impossible goals because of their romantic or noble ideas.

adj. to be exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical. Typically applied to pursuits, characters, or schemes that prioritize romanticized notions over practical considerations. Adjective.


SIMPLE

The young man has a quixotic plan to save the world.

CONTEXTUAL

His quixotic attempt to reform the entire legal system within a single year was met with skepticism by his experienced colleagues.

COMPLEX

While others focused on achievable incremental changes, she pursued a quixotic vision of total corporate transparency, regardless of the significant financial risks or the likely resistance from the board of directors.

Synonyms
Origin

Derived from Spanish Quixote, the surname of Don Quixote, the title character in the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, + -ic.

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