English vocabulary · C1
Chimerical
/kaɪˈmerɪkl/ · adj.
It means created by a wild imagination.
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Example sentences
- His chimerical scheme to find gold city failed.
- Her chimerical hopes of perfect peace faded.
Word origin and roots
- khimaira — she-goat (from Greek)
- ic — relating to (from Greek)
Synonyms and nuances
- fanciful (ideas are playfully imaginative)
- imaginary (something exists only in the mind)
- quixotic (idealism ignores practical reality)
Lesson notes
Chimerical. It means created by a wild imagination. An unrealistic and fantastic idea.
Similar words are fanciful, imaginary, and quixotic. Use Chimerical when a plan is wildly unrealistic.
His chimerical scheme to find gold city failed. Her chimerical hopes of perfect peace faded.
Khimaira means she-goat. Ic means relating to. Chimerical describes things created by wild imagination, like the legendary beast.