chimerical
adjective
Hoped for but illusory or impossible to achieve; wildly fanciful or unreal. Based on the Chimera of Greek mythology.
Etymology
From Greek "khimaira" (she-goat), the fire-breathing monster with lion head, goat body, and serpent tail. Something as impossible as this hybrid creature.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"His plans for instant wealth proved chimerical."
- 2.
"The chimerical scheme attracted only naive investors."
- 3.
"Critics dismissed the proposal as chimerical optimism."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Scientists borrowed "chimera" to describe organisms with cells from different genetic sources. Chimeric animals can be created in labs, and some humans are natural chimeras, carrying cells from absorbed twins.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 10 letters (C, H, I, M, E, R, I, C, A, L)
Scrabble Value: 19 points
Tip: The letter pattern in "CHIMERICAL" appears in many related words.
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