What does quixotically mean?
Quixotically is an adverb meaning in a quixotic manner, with idealistic enthusiasm that may be admirable but impractical. It describes someone pursuing a personal, romantic, or moral vision without adequate regard for realistic methods, costs, or consequences. The word is literary in tone and is usually mildly critical, although it can sometimes suggest genuine generosity, courage, or devotion. A person might be described as acting quixotically when they stubbornly support an impossible-sounding project, refuse to compromise with a principle, or remain loyal to an unattainable ideal. The related adjective quixotic highlights the quality itself, while quixotry names a tendency toward idealistic or impractical conduct. Because the term draws on the character of Don Quixote, it carries a strong association with noble intentions contrasted with poor judgment.
adverbIn a quixotic manner; with idealistic, impractical, or excessively romantic enthusiasm.
- In a quixotic manner; with idealistic, impractical, or excessively romantic enthusiasm.
"He continued to pursue the quixotically hopeless project despite repeated warnings from his family."
"She quixotically devoted herself to rebuilding the abandoned theatre for the village children."
"The government rejected the proposal as a quixotically expensive attempt to solve a regional problem."
The word comes from Don Quixote, the famously impractical idealist who charged windmills because he saw a noble vision rather than a realistic target.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of quixotically
The word derives through quixotic from the name Quixote, referring to the character Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes's Spanish novel. English adopted quixotic in the 17th century for an excessively idealistic or impractical person. The adverb quixotically was formed later from that adjective, preserving the association with romantic enthusiasm and unrealistic schemes.
Related word forms
How quixotically is actually used
This is a literary and relatively uncommon word. It usually conveys that an action or outlook is admirable in its idealism but impractical, overly romantic, or insufficiently grounded in reality.
Easily confused with quixotically
Quixotic is the adjective describing an idealistic or impractical person, scheme, or idea, whereas quixotically is the adverb describing how such a person acts or how an idea is pursued.