quixotic
English
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish Quixote, the surname of Don Quixote, the titular character in the novel by Miguel Cervantes, + -ic.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 331: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "RP" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 331: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "US" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /kwɪkˈsɑtɪk/, /kwɪɡˈzɑtɪk/, /kiːˈzɑtɪk/
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 331: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "rare" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /kiˈɑtɪk/
Audio (US): (file) - Rhymes: -ɒtɪk
Adjective
quixotic (comparative more quixotic, superlative most quixotic)
- Possessing or acting with the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality; exceedingly idealistic.
- Impulsive.
- Like Don Quixote; romantic to extravagance; absurdly chivalric; apt to be deluded.
Usage notes
Although the term is derived from the name of the character Don Quixote, the letters qu and x are both read as is usual for English spelling (/kw/ and /ks/), possibly due to analogy with exotic. In "Don Quixote", by contrast, the pronunciation more closely resembles the modern Spanish (/k/ and /h~x/).
Derived terms
Translations
possessing or acting with the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality
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Translations to be checked
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