Vocabulary Spotlight
Chimerical
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: Existing only as the product of unchecked imagination; fantastical or unrealistically hopeful.
“Her chimerical dreams of world peace were inspiring but seemed impractical to many.”
Pronunciation
[kai-meer-i-kuhl]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Imaginary
Fantastic
Illusory
Unrealistic
Antonyms
Practical
Possible
Achievable
Feasible
Related Words
Quixotic (adjective)
Dreamlike (adjective)
Word Origin
The word “chimerical” comes from “chimera,” a mythological creature composed of various animal parts. It evolved to describe unrealistic or fanciful ideas based purely on imagination.
Word Family
Adjective: Chimerical – Unrealistic, fantastical, or purely imaginary.
Noun: Chimera – A mythical creature or an impossible dream.
Related Adjective: Fanciful – Imaginary or unrealistically hopeful.
Mnemonics
Think “chimerical” sounds like “miracle” — something almost too good or unreal to be true.
Industry-specific Usage
Science Fiction
In science fiction, chimerical ideas often drive the plot, presenting fantastical technologies or worlds.
Politics
In political discussions, a “chimerical” policy might refer to an idealistic but unrealistic proposal.
Philosophy
In philosophy, chimerical concepts explore the boundaries of imagination and reality, often in ethics or metaphysics.
In Context
Chimerical ideas, though often dismissed as unrealistic, can inspire creativity and vision. They represent possibilities that, while seemingly unattainable, push people to think beyond conventional limits.