Word of the Day: QUIXOTIC

Visionary and impractical

quixotic (adj) - impractical in pursuit of ideals, especially extravagant, romantic, or chivalrous ones; rashly impulsive and unrealistic [kwik-sot-ik]

BREAKDOWN: Don Quixote, one of the famous heroes of Spanish literature, is the title character of Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century novel. Don Quixote embodies a highly impractical idealism and is given to unrealistic schemes and great chivalry. Interestingly, the phrase “tilting at windmills” to refer to attacking imaginary enemies also comes from Don Quixote and his odd notions about windmills.

“Dare to change the world. There is nothing quixotic or romantic in wanting to change the world. It is possible. It is the age-old vocation of all humanity.” —Gioconda Belli

[Our Wednesday Wildcards are fascinating and important words that are not derived from classical roots.]