Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Characteristic of or resembling the literary works of Don Quixote; extravagantly idealistic, visionary, or impractical.
Etymology: The term "Quixotian" is derived from "Don Quixote," the titular character of the novel "Don Quixote" written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. Don Quixote is known for his chivalrous and often impractical adventures, driven by his lofty ideals and an almost delusional sense of reality. The character's name has become synonymous with extravagant idealism, which is captured in the adjective "Quixotian." The suffix "-ian" is added to "Quixote" to create an adjective form, indicating that something is reminiscent of or related to the character's qualities and adventures.
Coined by Professor Justin Ho Guo Shun
Definition: Characteristic of or resembling the literary works of Don Quixote; extravagantly idealistic, visionary, or impractical.
Etymology: The term "Quixotian" is derived from "Don Quixote," the titular character of the novel "Don Quixote" written by Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes. Don Quixote is known for his chivalrous and often impractical adventures, driven by his lofty ideals and an almost delusional sense of reality. The character's name has become synonymous with extravagant idealism, which is captured in the adjective "Quixotian." The suffix "-ian" is added to "Quixote" to create an adjective form, indicating that something is reminiscent of or related to the character's qualities and adventures.
Coined by Professor Justin Ho Guo Shun
Sarah's quixotian belief in the power of love to conquer all obstacles often led her to pursue grand romantic gestures that left others bewildered.
by Justin Ho Guo Shun August 27, 2023