How to pronounce quixotic
Say it like kwik-SOT-ik. Quixotic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SOT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce quixotic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kwik
- SOT
- ik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quixotic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kwikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- SOTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of quixotic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: kwik-SOT-ik.
What does quixotic mean?
- Resembling or characteristic of the Spanish chivalric hero Don Quixote; possessed with or resulting from the desire to do noble and romantic deeds, without thought of realism and practicality.
- Overly optimistic and moralistic.
- Exceedingly idealistic.
- A quixotic person or sentiment.
Where does quixotic come from?
Derived from Spanish Quixote, the surname of Don Quixote, the title character in the novel by Miguel de Cervantes, + -ic.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with quixotic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of quixotic.
Questions about saying quixotic
How do you pronounce quixotic?
Say kwik-SOT-ik. The American pronunciation is /kwɪkˈsɑtɪk/. In British English it is /kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quixotic?
Quixotic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SOT). Broken into parts: kwik · SOT · ik.
Is quixotic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /kwɪkˈsɒtɪk/ (kwik-SOT-ik).