Word Wednesday: Quixotic

adj \kwik-ˈsä-tik\

Definition of QUIXOTIC

: foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; especially : marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action

: capricious, unpredictable

— quix·ot·i·cal adjective

— quix·ot·i·cal·ly adverb

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Origin of QUIXOTIC

Don Quixote

First Known Use: 1718

Related to QUIXOTIC

Synonyms: idealist, idealistic, quixotical, romantic, starry, starry-eyed, utopian, visionary

Antonyms: clear-eyed, clear-sighted

Use it in a sentence!

“Watch as I start a juice fast when I write a part-time food blog!” she said quixotically one day.

Her quixotic attitude toward life was beginning to wear on him. He was a more staid, button-wearing type person.

I have found that this word can also be used to express surprise at someone’s suddenly changed behavior.

My favorite example of this is in The Importance of Being Earnest, when Cecily says to Earnest/Algie after he professes a desire to become “good”, “Well, it’s a little quixotic of you, but I think you should try.” Then he says, “I’m feeling better already.” And she says, “You’re looking rather worse.”

I might just have to transcribe the entire thing on here, because there is just no good stopping place in the wit. I suppose that would be pretty quixotic of me.

Go be quixotic!

Comments

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