quixotry

Definition

Noun (uncountable) - Quixotic behaviour or character: "quixotry" refers to actions, ideas, or attitudes that are exceedingly idealistic, impractical, or romantic, often in a way that is noble but unrealistic, reminiscent of the character Don Quixote.

Usage Examples

• (His idealistic scheme was noble but lacked practical feasibility.)
• (His overly romantic and unrealistic ambition drove him to an impossible confrontation.)

Advanced Usage

• "Quixotry in politics": the pursuit of visionary or unattainable political goals.
  • The senator’s quixotry in proposing universal peace treaties was met with scepticism. (His idealistic proposal was seen as impractical by colleagues.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quixotic (adj): exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

  • She had a quixotic dream of saving every stray animal in the city. (Her dream was noble but unrealistic.)

• Quixotism (n): the state or quality of being quixotic; often used interchangeably with "quixotry" but less common.

  • His quixotism was both endearing and frustrating to his friends. (His idealistic nature had mixed effects.)

Synonyms

• Idealism: the practice of forming or pursuing ideals, especially unrealistically.
• Romanticism: an emphasis on imagination and emotion over practicality.
• Visionariness: the quality of being visionary or impractical.

Related Idioms

• Tilting at windmills: attacking imaginary enemies or fighting futile battles, derived directly from Don Quixote.

  • His campaign against corporate greed was like tilting at windmills — noble but hopeless. (He fought an unwinnable fight.)

• Chasing rainbows: pursuing something unattainable or illusory.

  • Her quixotry was evident in her constant chasing of rainbows. (She pursued impossible dreams.)