different between quixotic vs unorthodox

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish Quixote, the surname of Don Quixote, the titular character in the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, +? -ic.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /kw?k?s?t?k/
• (US) IPA^(key): /kw?k?s?t?k/, /kw???z?t?k/, /ki??z?t?k/
• (rare) IPA^(key): /ki??t?k/
• Rhymes: -?t?k

Adjective

quixotic (comparative more quixotic, superlative most quixotic)

1. Possessing or acting with the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality; exceedingly idealistic.
2. Impulsive.
3. Like Don Quixote; 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 (/kw/ and /ks/), possibly due to analogy with exotic. In "Don Quixote", by contrast, the pronunciation more closely resembles the modern Spanish (/k/ and /h~x/).

Derived terms

• quixotically

Translations

English

Etymology

un- +? orthodox

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /?n?????d?ks/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?n?????d?ks/

Adjective

unorthodox (comparative more unorthodox, superlative most unorthodox)

1. unusual, unconventional, or idiosyncratic
   • November 2 2014, Daniel Taylor, "Sergio Agüero strike wins derby for Manchester City against 10-man United," guardian.co.uk

     The breakthrough came after 63 minutes as United’s unorthodox defence desperately tried to hold off a spell of sustained pressure.

Synonyms

• heretical
• heterodox
• inorthodox

Antonyms

• orthodox

Translations

German

Etymology

un- +? orthodox

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??n.???.to?d?ks/
• Hyphenation: un?or?tho?dox

Adjective

unorthodox (comparative unorthodoxer, superlative am unorthodoxesten)

1. unorthodox

Declension

Antonyms

• orthodox

Further reading

• “unorthodox” in Duden online