Quixotic
hardNeutral tonekwik-SOT-ik
adjective
Definition
extremely idealistic and impractical; chasing unreachable ideals
Memory hook
QUIXOTIC: picture Don QUIXOTE charging a windmill, convinced it's a giant — grandly idealistic and hopelessly impractical.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His quixotic plan to end world hunger by next year charmed but convinced no one.”
“She abandoned a stable career for the quixotic dream of sailing solo around the globe.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ plan to end world hunger by next year charmed but convinced no one.”
Show answer
quixotic
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Quixotic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "idealistic" or "impractical" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "pragmatic".
Related GRE Words
utopian
Modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic
idealistic
Characterized by idealism; unrealistically aiming for perfection
aberrant
Deviating from what is normal or expected
artless
free of guile or pretense; naturally simple and sincere
capricious
Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
circumspect
Wary and unwilling to take risks; cautious
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