What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Quixotic vs Impetuous - What's the difference?

quixotic | impetuous |

As adjectives the difference between quixotic and impetuous

is that quixotic is possessing or acting with the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality; exceedingly idealistic while impetuous is making arbitrary decisions, especially in an impulsive and forceful manner.

quixotic

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Possessing or acting with the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality; exceedingly idealistic.
  • Impulsive.
  • Like ; romantic to extravagance; absurdly chivalric; apt to be deluded.

    • Usage notes

    Although the term is derived from the name of the character Don Quixote, the letters qu and x are both read as is usual for English spelling ().

    Derived terms

    * quixotically

    impetuous

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Making arbitrary decisions, especially in an impulsive and forceful manner.
  • * 1880 , John Weeks Moore, Complete Encyclopaedia of Music , "":
    • But it was natural, that the impetuous , restless young artist should incline more to excess of strength than of delicacy in his playing.
  • Characterized by sudden and violent force.
  • * 1794 , :
    • He stands, and views in the faint rays
    Far, far below, the torrent's rising surge,
    And listens to the wild impetuous roar

    Synonyms

    * impulsive * hasty * rash * hotheaded