Word Of The Day: Quixotic - Meaning, Usage And Examples

Have you ever come across people whose ideas seem completely impossible and overly imaginative? Human beings often chase unrealistic dreams and romantic ideals, even when they do not align with reality. Such people show that not every dream needs to be practical, as some are driven purely by hope and imagination. This sense of idealism is known as ‘Quixotic’.

‘Quixotic’ is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is extremely idealistic, imaginative, or unrealistic in pursuing noble goals or romantic ideas. This word is inspired by one of literature’s most iconic fictional characters and continues to symbolise the beauty and challenges of dreaming beyond practical limitations .

Origin

This word originated from the famous 17th-century Spanish novel named Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes. The novel’s protagonist, Don Quixote, became famous for chasing grand heroic ideals and impossible adventures, often blurring the line between imagination and reality. His unrealistic yet noble outlook on life eventually gave rise to the word ‘Quixotic’.