What does quixotism mean?
Quixotism denotes an idea, ambition, or course of action that is impractical, romantic, or unrealistically idealistic. It often implies that the person pursuing it is sincere and guided by admirable principles, even when the goal is impossible or ill suited to practical circumstances. The word comes from the world of Don Quixote, whose chivalric enthusiasm led him to pursue outdated ideals and confront a less noble reality. In modern usage, quixotism can be sympathetic when it highlights courage, generosity, or commitment to a worthwhile cause, but it is more commonly used critically to label schemes that overlook practical realities. The related adjective quixotic describes people, actions, and beliefs marked by this kind of idealistic impracticality, while quixotry often refers more directly to the behaviour or enthusiasm associated with it.
nounAn impractical or excessively idealistic pursuit, especially one inspired by romantic or chivalric ideals. The word can also refer to a fanciful notion or scheme that is unlikely to be achieved.
- An impractical pursuit or scheme motivated by idealistic, romantic, or chivalric principles.
- A fanciful or excessively idealistic notion.
"His attempt to revive the neighborhood's historic theater was dismissed by some as quixotism."
"The campaign to preserve every historic building in the city was admirable, though some officials regarded it as quixotism."
"She dismissed the scheme as romantic quixotism rather than a realistic proposal."
The plural is grammatically regular but rarely used.
"The novel explores several forms of personal quixotisms and their consequences."
Quixotism is the kind of ambition that may look foolish in practice but is named after literature's most famous impractical dreamer, Don Quixote.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of quixotism
Quixotism is a 19th-century formation from the adjective quixotic plus the suffix -ism. Its ultimate source is the name Quixote, referring to the character Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes's Spanish novel, whose impractical chivalric idealism shaped the modern sense of the word.
Related word forms
How quixotism is actually used
Usually somewhat critical, though it can be used more approvingly to describe idealistic commitment. The word is literary and less common in casual speech.
Easily confused with quixotism
Quixotism is the noun for an impractical ideal or pursuit, while quixotic is the adjective describing a person, action, or idea marked by such impractical idealism.
Quixotism typically names an idealistic scheme or principle, whereas quixotry more often describes behaviour marked by romantic enthusiasm and impracticality.