kwik-SOT-ik
Quixotic means extremely idealistic and unrealistic, especially in pursuing romantic or noble goals that ignore practical limitations. Like Don Quixote fighting windmills, quixotic endeavors are admirably passionate but ultimately impractical.
Yes. QUIXOTIC is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 26 points in Scrabble, 28 in Words With Friends and 28 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.
| Letter | Q | U | I | X | O | T | I | C | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrabble | 10 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 26 |
| Words With Friends | 10 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 28 |
| Wordfeud | 10 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 28 |
Quixotic describes something that is extremely idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical, especially in the pursuit of lofty, romantic, or chivalrous goals. The term originates from the character Don Quixote, the protagonist of Miguel de Cervantes' novel, who was known for his wildly impractical adventures and impossible dreams.
In modern usage, calling something quixotic suggests it is admirably idealistic but foolishly impractical. It often implies a noble but naive attempt to achieve the impossible, characterized by romantic notions that ignore practical realities. While the word can carry a slightly negative connotation of impracticality, it also acknowledges the nobility and passion behind such idealistic pursuits.
The word occupies a unique space in English, simultaneously praising someone's high ideals while gently criticizing their disconnect from reality. A quixotic person might campaign for world peace through poetry, attempt to revolutionize society single-handedly, or pursue any grand vision without considering practical obstacles.
The word "quixotic" entered English in the early 19th century (around 1815-1820), derived directly from the character Don Quixote de la Mancha, the protagonist of Miguel de Cervantes' 1605 novel "Don Quixote." The character was famous for his delusions of grandeur and chivalrous but impractical adventures, including his famous attack on windmills he believed were giants.
Anagrams: no other word uses exactly the letters of QUIXOTIC.
Hooks: no front hooks; no back hooks.
Words inside QUIXOTIC: 20 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: QUOITTOXICQUITCOXQITUXOXXIXUOTICCOTCUT. See all words from QUIXOTIC.