quixotic

== English == === Alternative forms === Don Quixotic, Don-Quixotic Quixotic === Etymology === Derived from Spanish Quixote, the surname of Don Quixote, the title character in the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, +‎ -ic. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/ (US) IPA(key): /kwɪkˈsɑtɪk/, /kwɪɡˈzɑtɪk/, /kiːˈzɑtɪk/ (rare) IPA(key): /kiˈɑtɪk/ Rhymes: -ɒtɪk === Adjective === quixotic (comparative more quixotic, superlative most quixotic) 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. Overly optimistic and moralistic. Exceedingly idealistic. ==== Usage notes ==== Although the term is derived from the name of the character Don Quixote, the letters ⟨qu⟩ and ⟨x⟩ are both typically read as is usual for English spelling (/kw/ and /ks/), possibly due to analogy with exotic. In Don Quixote, by contrast, the pronunciation usually more closely resembles the modern Spanish (/k/ and /h~x/). ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== quixotism quixotry ==== Translations ==== === Noun === quixotic (plural quixotics) (rare) A quixotic person or sentiment.