Quixotic

Meanings

1. Extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical
2. Inspired by noble but unattainable ideals
3. Romantic and visionary

Example Sentences

• "His quixotic plan to clean the entire Ganga River by himself was admirable but unrealistic."
• "The activist's quixotic crusade against corruption in the system won her many admirers."
• "It seemed quixotic to think a small NGO could change national education policy."

Etymology

From Don Quixote, the fictional knight in Cervantes' 1605 novel who tilted at windmills believing them to be giants. One of few English words derived from a literary character's name.

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