Words / C2

ky-MEERR-uh/kaɪˈmɪərə/

A chimera is a hoped-for thing that is illusory, and also a mythological monster: a chimera of reform, chase a chimera. An illusion (already in the dictionary) is a false appearance; a panacea (already in the dictionary) is a supposed cure-all, often equally unreal, and quixotic (already in the dictionary) is nobly unrealistic, of a plan. A ranking vision is not a methods paragraph.

Meaning

A hoped-for thing that is illusory; also a mythological monster.

Examples

• “A chimera of a ranking is not a methods paragraph.”
• “An illusion is a false appearance (already in C1). A panacea is a supposed cure-all (already in C2). Quixotic is nobly unrealistic (already in C2). Scale on the right object can be exact. Scale instead of a dated n is theatre. Write the number; then the epic.”

Good to know

An illusory hope; a phantom. Everyday-close: illusion / fantasy (already in this dictionary). Close: panacea (already in C2). Contrast: quixotic (nobly unrealistic — already in C2). A ranking is not an n.

Near in meaning

illusion, fantasy, pipe dream, mirage

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