quixotically

Meanings

• adjective

  Acting in a way that is impractical and unrealistic, especially when motivated by romantic or idealistic notions.

  - "His quixotically chivalrous behavior was amusing to his more pragmatic friends."
  - "Despite the odds, she approached the problem quixotically, believing that a solution could be found."

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Rhymes

Words rhyming with quixotically
hiccups , stripes

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Variants

List of all variants of quixotically that leads to same result
quixotic , quixotical , quixotically

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Etymology

origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

Derived from the name of Don Quixote, a fictional character in Miguel de Cervantes' novel 'Don Quixote' who lived out his dreams of chivalry in an absurd and impractical way.

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Trivia

Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

1. The term 'quixotic' was first used in English in the late 16th century.

2. Don Quixote, the fictional character who gave his name to the term, was written about in the novel 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes, published in 1605.

3. The word 'quixotic' is often used to describe political campaigns or policies that are idealistic to the point of being impractical.

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Related Concepts

informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

1. Chivalry: A medieval social code emphasizing honor, courtesy, and bravery. 'Quixotically' can refer to behaving in a way that is excessively chivalric or romantic.

2. Idealism: The belief that reality can be improved through the pursuit of abstract ideals. 'Quixotically' can refer to behaving in a way that is excessively idealistic or unrealistic.

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Quotes

Quotes by authors and personalities

1. In … an earnest book-length essay of neo-Victorian public-mindedness that deplores the "nasty, knowing abuse" that the author would have us fear contaminates too much American humor lately, David Denby, a movie critic for {it}The New Yorker{/it}, sets for himself what has to be one of the most "quixotic" projects that a moral reformer can undertake.

   - Walter Kirn,{it}New York Times Book Review{/it},22 Feb. 2009

2. The history of biblical oil prospecting is filled with "quixotic" quests and colorful characters, starting with Welsie Hancock, a wealthy California man who in the 1960s dreamed that Jesus told him he would find black gold in the Holy Land. He sunk his entire fortune into two dry holes.

   - Mariah Blake,{it}Mother Jones{/it},January and February 2008

3. Mumey had announced his candidacy as an independent in the partisan election, which meant that he needed 2,300 signatures of registered voters in order to get on the ballot in the fall. It seemed a "quixotic" adventure, given the small size of Celebration and Mumey's lack of name recognition outside the town.

   - Douglas Frantz et al.,{it}Celebration, USA{/it},1999

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Culture

Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

In literature and art, 'quixotically' is often used to describe characters or situations that are impractical, idealistic, or romantic to the point of absurdity. It can also refer to behaving in a way that is outdated or out of touch with reality.

How to Memorize "quixotically"

1. visualize
   

   - To remember the meaning of 'quixotically', visualize a person acting in an impractical or unrealistic way, driven by romantic or idealistic notions.

2. associate
   

   - To memorize 'quixotically', associate it with the idea of behaving in an impractical or unrealistic way, driven by romantic or idealistic notions.

3. mnemonics
   

   - To help remember the meaning of 'quixotically', use the mnemonic: 'Quixotic' means behaving in a way that's impractical or unrealistic, like a character from 'Don Quixote'.

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