different between quixotism vs idealism

English

Etymology

Quixote +? -ism

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?kw?ks??t?zm/

Noun

quixotism (countable and uncountable, plural quixotisms)

1. That form of delusion which leads to extravagant and absurd undertakings or sacrifices in obedience to a morbidly romantic ideal of duty or honor, as illustrated by the exploits of Don Quixote in knight-errantry.

   Synonym: quixotry

Related terms

• Don Quixote
• Quixotic

See also

• Wikipedia: Don Quixote

English

Etymology

First attested 1796, from ideal +? -ism.

Noun

idealism (countable and uncountable, plural idealisms)

1. The property of a person of having high ideals that are usually unrealizable or at odds with practical life.
2. The practice or habit of giving or attributing ideal form or character to things; treatment of things in art or literature according to ideal standards or patterns;—opposed to realism.
3. (philosophy) An approach to philosophical enquiry, which asserts that direct and immediate knowledge can only be had of ideas or mental pictures.

   Synonym: philosophical idealism

   Antonym: materialism

Derived terms

• epistemological idealism
• metaphysical idealism

Related terms

• idealist
• idealistic
• idealistically
• perfectionism

Translations

See also

• realism
• pragmatism
• materialism
• physicalism

References

• idealism in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• idealism in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.

Further reading

• "idealism" in Raymond Williams, Keywords (revised), 1983, Fontana Press, page 152.

Anagrams

• email IDs, miladies

Romanian

Etymology

From French idéalisme

Noun

idealism n (uncountable)

1. idealism

Declension

Related terms

• ideal
• idealist