Quixotic
/kwɪkˈsɒt.ɪk/noun
Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
Did you know?The term 'quixotic' is derived from the character Don Quixote, who believed he was destined to revive chivalry in a world that had moved on, embodying the struggle between dreams and harsh realities.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
Spanish
quijote
“A term for a man with the qualities of a knight; derived from the character in Cervantes' novel.”
1605
Spanish
Don Quijote de la Mancha
“The title character of Cervantes' novel, representing the archetype of the delusional idealist.”
19th Century
French
quixotique
“Adopted from Spanish, describing something fanciful or idealistic.”
1830s
English
quixotic
“Brought into English to describe actions that are romantic, impractical, or idealistic.”