Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Desultorily: meaning, definitions and examples

πŸ’¬
Add to dictionary

desultorily

 

[dΙ›sΙ™lˈtɔːrΙͺli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of speaking

Desultorily refers to speaking or acting in a way that is disconnected or lacking in a coherent sequence. It implies a lack of focus or a tendency to jump from one topic to another without clear direction.

Synonyms

disjointedly, erratically, rambling.

Examples of usage

  • He spoke desultorily, shifting from one subject to another.
  • The conversation was desultorily punctuated by awkward silences.
  • She wrote desultorily, without any clear plan for her essay.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'desultorius,' meaning 'jumping about' or 'leaping.'
  • It originally described a type of actor in ancient Rome who would switch from one story to another without warning.
  • The term has evolved to refer not just to acting, but also to speaking or behaving without focus.

Psychology

  • Desultory behavior can often indicate distractedness, which might be due to fatigue or overstimulation.
  • People who talk desultorily may struggle to maintain attention on their thoughts, often leading to fragmented conversations.
  • Such a style of communication is common when individuals are anxious, making it harder to follow one line of thought.

Literature

  • Desultory writing can create a sense of unpredictability, engaging readers in a more free-flowing narrative.
  • Famous authors like James Joyce played with desultory styles, reflecting the randomness of human thought.
  • In poetry, a desultory approach can evoke feelings of chaos or confusion, mirroring the complexities of life.

Pop Culture

  • Many comedians use a desultory style in their routines, hopping between jokes and stories for comedic effect.
  • Modern films, especially in the indie genre, often embrace desultory storytelling, reflecting real-life unpredictability.
  • Social media platforms encourage desultory conversation through rapid scrolling, making it easy to lose track of topics.

Education

  • In a classroom setting, desultory discussions can hinder learning, as they often move away from learning objectives.
  • Teachers often have to guide students back on track when conversations become too desultory.
  • Structured methods can be utilized to keep discussions focused, thus reducing desultory patterns in classroom interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,614, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.