quixotic
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “quixotic” mean?
adjective.exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.
SAT Usage
the term often appears in contexts discussing romantic ideals, social reform, or visionary pursuits, typically highlighting the impracticality of such aspirations. It emphasizes a sense of naivety or impractical optimism, distinguishing it from words like "idealistic," which may not carry the same connotation of unattainability.
Common Confusions
Quixotic implies an unrealistic idealism often viewed as impractical, while idealistic usually suggests a more general commitment to high ideals without necessarily implying unattainability.
Do not choose quixotic if the context emphasizes practicality or realism rather than being exceedingly idealistic, unrealistic, and impractical.
Example Sentences
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His quixotic plan to reform the entire system in a month failed.