Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/kaɪˈmɛrɪkəl/ or /kɪˈmɛrɪkəl/

Definitions

• Adjective: Highly unrealistic, fantastical, or purely imaginative.
• Adjective: Given to wild, impossible schemes or visions.
• Adjective: Resembling a chimera, composed of disparate or incongruous parts.

Usage Examples

• "Her chimerical ideas about time travel fascinated but confused her audience."
• "The scientist's chimerical vision of a world without disease drove his research."
• "The novel was filled with chimerical creatures never before imagined."

Etymology

Derived from the Greek mythological creature, the Chimera, which was a hybrid of a lion, goat, and serpent. The word evolved into English through Latin and French, coming to represent something fantastical or impossible.

Synonyms

• Fanciful
• Unrealistic
• Visionary
• Illusory
• Whimsical

Antonyms

• Practical
• Realistic
• Feasible
• Logical

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, "chimerical" is often pronounced as /kaɪˈmɛrɪkəl/, while British English commonly uses /kɪˈmɛrɪkəl/.

Historical Usage

The word "chimerical" has been used in literature and philosophy since the 17th century to describe unrealistic or highly imaginative ideas. It was often applied to utopian concepts, fantastical creatures, or far-fetched theories.

Cultural Nuances

"Chimerical" is frequently used in a poetic or literary sense to describe dreams, aspirations, or theories that may be appealing but are ultimately unattainable. In scientific discourse, it has also been adapted to refer to biological chimeras.

More Information

Chimerical ideas have played a role in shaping visionary movements, from literature to politics. Writers like Jonathan Swift and Thomas More used chimerical concepts to critique real-world societal structures. In modern discussions, the term can be applied to ambitious yet impractical projects, as well as speculative fiction.