quixote
Definition
Noun
- An idealist without practical sense: "quixote" refers to a person who is extravagantly chivalrous, romantic, or idealistic, especially in a way that is impractical or foolishly noble. This meaning derives from the fictional character Don Quixote, who pursued grand, unrealistic quests.
Usage Examples
- (He is an idealistic person pursuing an impossible goal.)
- (Her plan was seen as noble but impractical.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be a quixote": to behave with impractical idealism.
- Don’t be a quixote — you cannot change the world overnight. (Do not be foolishly idealistic.)
Variants and Related Words
- Quixotic (adj): exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
- His quixotic quest for justice often led to disappointment. (His unrealistic idealism caused problems.)
- Quixotism (n): the state or quality of being quixotic; romantic, impractical idealism.
- The novel explores the quixotism of its protagonist. (The novel examines impractical idealism.)
Synonyms
- Dreamer: a person who has ideas or plans that are not practical.
- Idealist: a person who pursues high or noble principles, often unrealistically.
- Romantic: a person with imaginative or idealistic views, especially about love or life.
Related Idioms
- Tilt at windmills: to fight imaginary enemies or pursue impossible goals, referencing Don Quixote’s attack on windmills he thought were giants.
- The activist was tilting at windmills by trying to ban all cars from the city. (He was fighting an unrealistic battle.)
Note on Usage
The word "quixote" is rarely used as a common noun today; it appears more often in its adjective form "quixotic" or in literary references. When used, it carries a tone of gentle mockery or pity for someone whose noble aims are doomed to fail.