impractical especially in the foolish pursuit of ideals; trying to do the impossible, often so as to help others, while getting oneself into danger
how do we use it?
the newly elected mayor is convinced that he is not being quixotic when he promises a voice in government for everyone.
word quiz
"quixotic" comes from the name of a character in a famous novel. which one of these authors do you think wrote the book that is the source of the word "quixotic"?
a. leo tolstoy
b. james baldwin
c. jane austen
d. miguel de cervantes
key
[d]
the word "quixotic" comes from the work known as _don quixote_ by spanish writer miguel de cervantes. the 17th-century novel tells the story of don quixote, a romantic idealist who, aided by his faithful servant sancho panza, sets out to right the wrongs of the world, modeling himself after knights in the days of chivalry. his attempts turn into comic misadventures, however, and he returns home a tired old man. the novel was promptly translated into english and gave rise to "quixote" as a synonym for an impractical idealist. "quixotic" dates from the early 19th century and describes the impractical dreams of modern don quixotes.
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