Word bank

Improve your reading skills, Memorize words and practice vocabulary

Memorized by 20+ users

quixotic

/kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/
Meanings
  • adjective, noun

    1. Exhibiting the qualities of Don Quixote, that is, behaving foolishly despite the wisdom and sanity of those around one, especially in the pursuit of some ideal.

    - "His quixotic behavior amused everyone at the party."
    - "She decided to follow her quixotic dream of becoming a professional dancer."
    - "His quixotic quest for the Holy Grail led him on many adventures."
Pronunciation
  1. /kiːˈzɑtɪk/



    Source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1329103"
Rhymes
Words rhyming with quixotic
exotic , chronic , hypnotic
Variants
List of all variants of quixotic that leads to same result
quixotic , quixotical , quixotically
Etymology
origin and the way in which meanings have changed throughout history.

From Don Quixote, a fictional character in the novel of the same name by Miguel de Cervantes, who was known for his eccentric and chivalric behavior.

Trivia
Any details, considerations, events or pieces of information regarding the word

  1. The word 'quixotic' first appeared in English in the late 16th century.

  2. Don Quixote is considered one of the greatest works of literature in the Spanish language, and has been translated into many other languages.

  3. Quixotic behavior is often seen as a positive trait in fictional characters, but in real life, it can be a source of frustration and confusion for those around the quixotic individual.

Related Concepts
informations on related concepts or terms closely associated with the word. Discuss semantic fields or domains that the word belongs to

  1. chivalry: The medieval code of conduct for knights, emphasizing honor, courtesy, and gallantry. Quixotic behavior is often characterized as a modern-day expression of chivalric ideals.

  2. idealism: The belief in the inherent goodness and worth of abstract ideas, such as love, justice, or truth. Quixotic individuals are often driven by their idealistic beliefs, even if they are not practical or achievable.

Quotes
Quotes by authors and personalities

  1. In … an earnest book-length essay of neo-Victorian public-mindedness that deplores the "nasty, knowing abuse" that the author would have us fear contaminates too much American humor lately, David Denby, a movie critic for {it}The New Yorker{/it}, sets for himself what has to be one of the most "quixotic" projects that a moral reformer can undertake.

    - Walter Kirn,{it}New York Times Book Review{/it},22 Feb. 2009

  2. The history of biblical oil prospecting is filled with "quixotic" quests and colorful characters, starting with Welsie Hancock, a wealthy California man who in the 1960s dreamed that Jesus told him he would find black gold in the Holy Land. He sunk his entire fortune into two dry holes.

    - Mariah Blake,{it}Mother Jones{/it},January and February 2008

  3. Mumey had announced his candidacy as an independent in the partisan election, which meant that he needed 2,300 signatures of registered voters in order to get on the ballot in the fall. It seemed a "quixotic" adventure, given the small size of Celebration and Mumey's lack of name recognition outside the town.

    - Douglas Frantz et al.,{it}Celebration, USA{/it},1999
Culture
Any cultural, historical, or symbolic significance of the word. Explore how the word has been used in literature, art, music, or other forms of expression.

The term 'quixotic' has been used extensively in literature and art to describe individuals who pursue unrealistic or impractical goals despite the odds. Don Quixote himself is a prime example of this, as he sets out on a quest to right wrongs and bring justice to the world, even though he is often ridiculed for his efforts.

How to Memorize "quixotic"

  1. visualize

    - Visualize a person behaving in an eccentric or unrealistic way, pursuing an unattainable goal. Imagine them dressed in old-fashioned knight's armor, tilting at windmills or performing other quixotic deeds.

  2. associate

    - Associate the word 'quixotic' with the character Don Quixote, or with the idea of pursuing unrealistic goals in a chivalric or idealistic manner.

  3. mnemonics

    - Create a mnemonic using the acronym QUIXOTIC: Quixotic Individuals eXhibit Over-The-Top Ideals and Commitment.

🧠 Bonus Tips

To help you remember the word 'quixotic', follow these practical tricks with steps:

1. Rhyming trick: Associate 'quixotic' with 'dramatic'. They rhyme and both have an 'x' sound, making it easier to remember.

2. Visualization trick: Imagine a 'quixotic' character, like Don Quixote, charging at a windmill in a 'dramatic' fashion. This vivid image will help you remember the word.

3. Breakdown trick: Break down the word into smaller parts: 'quix' and 'otic'. Imagine a 'quix' (like Quixote) being 'otic' (optical) illusion-like, as in unrealistic or impractical.

4. Sentence trick: Create a sentence using the word 'quixotic', such as 'His quixotic plan to build a castle on a cloud was met with skepticism.'

5. Repetition trick: Repeat the word 'quixotic' multiple times in your mind or out loud until it becomes familiar.

Memorize "quixotic" using Dictozo

The best and recommended way to memorize quixotic is, by using Dictozo. Just save the word in Dictozo extension and let the app handle the rest. It enhances the memorization process in two ways:

  1. Highlighting:

    Whenever users encounters the saved word on a webpage, Dictozo highlights it, drawing the user's attention and reinforcing memorization.

  2. Periodic Reminders:

    Dictozo will send you periodic reminders to remind you the saved word, it will ask you quiz. These reminders could be in the form of notifications or emails, prompting users to recall and reinforce their knowledge.

Install Now