quixotic

Definition

Resembling or characteristic of the Spanish chivalric hero Don Quixote; possessed with or resulting from the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality.

Etymology

Derived from Spanish Quixote, the surname of Don Quixote, the title character in the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, + -ic.

Example Sentences

• "Olivier, as you know, was quixotic, and would not permit a secret service and spies."
• "The message is not subliminal. […] Characters aren’t just quixotic, they cite Cervantes to one another."
• "The war triggered in [Miguel de] Unamuno the realization that, in hopeless times, quixotic lunacy could save people from the paralysis that often accompanies defeatism."

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