quixotic

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

The surname of Don Quixote, the titular character in the novel by Miguel Cervantes, + -ic

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/, SAMPA: /kwIk"sQtIk/
• (US) enPR: kwĭksätʹĭk, IPA: /kwɪkˈsɑtɪk/, SAMPA: /kwIk"sAtIk/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

  Rhymes: -ɒtɪk

[edit] Adjective

quixotic (comparative more quixotic, superlative most quixotic)

1. Possessing or acting with the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality.
2. Impulsive.
3. Like Don Quixote; romantic to extravagance; absurdly chivalric; apt to be deluded.

[edit] Usage notes

Although the term is derived from the name of the character, Don Quixote, the x is fully pronounced; the x in Don Quixote, by contrast, is pronounced more as an h. Conversely, received pronunciation maintains the pronunciation of the semivowel "h" without the strong phoneme of 'x".

[edit] Derived terms

• quixotically

[edit] Translations