What does quixote mean?
A quixote is someone whose ideals are admirable but often impractical, to the point of pursuing schemes that cannot be realized. The word usually carries a mildly critical or affectionate tone: it suggests someone who mistakes grand intentions for workable plans. Derived from the Spanish name of Cervantes's impractical knight, the term also evokes the hero's attacks on windmills and his stubborn pursuit of idealized justice. In ordinary use, a quixote is often portrayed as a dreamer, idealist, or romantic crusader rather than a practical reformer. The expression is especially useful when describing someone whose generosity of purpose exceeds their attention to practicality. Although it may sound faintly literary or old-fashioned, it remains readily understood in British and American English. Calling someone a quixote is usually more sympathetic than hostile, but it also warns that their ideals may clash with reality.
nounA quixote is an idealistic or romantic person whose schemes are impractical or unrealistic, especially when pursued with stubborn enthusiasm. The term often carries a mildly critical but affectionate tone.
- An idealistic or romantic person who pursues impractical schemes with great enthusiasm and determination.
"Her grandfather was a generous quixote who believed that even hopeless causes deserved a champion."
"He dismissed practical objections and set out to reform the entire system, displaying the confidence of a true quixote."
"The novel's central figure is a quixote whose relentless pursuit of justice destroys the lives around him."
The regular plural is used when referring to several idealistic or impractical people.
"The author presents the two quixotes as well-intentioned critics of a society that has made their dreams impossible."
Don Quixote charged windmills because his ideals were heroic, his judgment was not—and his name became a timeless label for beautiful, impractical ambition.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of quixote
English borrowed the word from Spanish, where Don Quijote is the name of the celebrated knight in Miguel de Cervantes's novel. The term entered English in the early 17th century, following the publication of the novel's two parts in 1605 and 1615. The further origin of the name Quijote is uncertain, but the modern English word has become associated with impractical idealism and heroic attempts to correct injustice.
Related word forms
How quixote is actually used
Generally literary, mildly critical, and often affectionate. It is usually lowercase in ordinary usage; capitalizing it as Quixote is appropriate when referring directly to Cervantes's character or the original Spanish name.