Quixotic comes from Don Quixote and means noble or idealistic, but unrealistic. Here is how the word is used today.

Yahoo first appeared in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels. The internet company later adopted a word that began in satire.

Rhetorical relates to persuasive effect or style. Figurative refers to nonliteral language, like metaphor and simile.

Persecute means to harass or oppress. Prosecute means to bring a legal case. Here is how to use each one clearly.