Have you ever dreamed up an idea so wildly imaginative that it felt impossible?
That’s the essence of “chimerical” — something fantastical, unreal or wildly visionary.
Call it dreamlike, call it far-fetched, call it downright impossible — if it sounds too fantastical to exist, it’s probably “chimerical.”
Here’s what you need to know about the word “chimerical” so you can start using it today.
What is the definition of ‘chimerical?’
The word “chimerical” is an adjective with two meanings.
The first definition describes a mythical animal formed from parts of various animals.
Meanwhile, the second definition describes something hoped for but illusory or impossible to achieve.
How is the word ‘chimerical’ pronounced?
The word “chimerical” is pronounced /chuh-MEH-ruh-kl/.
How can you use ‘chimerical’ in a sentence?
- His plan to build a floating city sounded exciting but completely chimerical.
- She filled her sketchbook with chimerical creatures that could exist only in dreams.
- The desert shimmered with chimerical mirages, taunting the weary travelers.
What is the origin of the word ‘chimerical?’
The word “chimerical” comes from the word “chimera,” a fictional monster of Greek mythology slain by Bellerophon, according to Etymonline.
The creature supposedly had a lion’s head, a goat’s body and a dragon’s tail.
The first known use of the word “chimerical” in the English language was in 1638, according to Merriam-Webster.
What famous book or movie quoted the word ‘chimerical?’
Fans of the Jules Verne novel “A Journey to the Centre of the Earth” will recognize the word “chimerical” being used in the book to describe a threat.
“None of these dangers was chimerical,” the passage reads.
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