adjective

quixotic

kwik-SAH-tik

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Quixotic (adjective) means Extremely idealistic and eager to do noble things without regard for what is realistic or practical. Example: “Her quixotic plan to clean the entire river alone moved everyone, though few thought it could work.”

adjective

Extremely idealistic and eager to do noble things without regard for what is realistic or practical.

"Her quixotic plan to clean the entire river alone moved everyone, though few thought it could work."

"He made a quixotic bid for the presidency with no money and no staff."

"The team's quixotic hope of finishing the project in a week ignored the obvious obstacles."

How to use quixotic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIdealistic in a way that ignores what is realistic.

When to use it

It is somewhat formal and often carries a gently critical or wistful tone.

Memory tip

Say it as kwik-SAH-tik, not like the Spanish name of the character.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

exotic →

Common pairings

quixotic quest quixotic attempt quixotic idealism quixotic notion

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Can you complete this real example?

Her _____ plan to clean the entire river alone moved everyone, though few thought it could work.

Etymology

The word comes from Quixote, the Spanish name of Don Quixote, the title character of Miguel de Cervantes's novel, plus the ending -ic.

Origin: Spanish

Synonyms

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idealistic

Antonyms

practical realistic

Related words

practice realize useful applied fantastic practical ideal virtual

Rhymes for quixotic

biotic exotic erotic aphotic robotic chaotic idiotic neurotic narcotic hypnotic amniotic probiotic

See all rhymes for quixotic →

Frequently asked questions

What does quixotic mean?

Quixotic describes someone or something that is extremely idealistic and driven by a wish to do noble or romantic deeds without thinking about what is practical.

Where does the word quixotic come from?

It comes from Don Quixote, the hero of the novel by Miguel de Cervantes. The name was combined with the ending -ic.

How do you pronounce quixotic?

In American English it is commonly said as kwik-SAH-tik, with the qu sounding like kw and the x like ks.

What is the meaning of quixotic?

"quixotic" (adjective) means extremely idealistic and eager to do noble things without regard for what is realistic or practical.

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