Desultory: meaning, definitions and examples
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desultory
[ dɪˈzʌltəri ]
lack of purpose
Desultory refers to a manner of doing something that is lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm. It can describe an approach that is haphazard, aimless, and often disconnected, making progress difficult. In conversation, it might imply an erratic or rambling nature. The term is frequently used to characterize tasks or discussions that lack coherence and focus.
Synonyms
aimless, disorganized, erratic, rambling.
Examples of usage
- Her desultory efforts at studying left her unprepared for the exam.
- The meeting was filled with desultory remarks that did not contribute to the agenda.
- He wandered through the city in a desultory fashion, with no destination in mind.
Translations
Translations of the word "desultory" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desordenado
🇮🇳 अनियमित
🇩🇪 planlos
🇮🇩 acak
🇺🇦 безладний
🇵🇱 chaotyczny
🇯🇵 無秩序な
🇫🇷 désordonné
🇪🇸 desordenado
🇹🇷 düzensiz
🇰🇷 무질서한
🇸🇦 عشوائي
🇨🇿 neuspořádaný
🇸🇰 neusporiadaný
🇨🇳 杂乱的
🇸🇮 neurejen
🇮🇸 óreiðanlegur
🇰🇿 ретсіз
🇬🇪 უწესრიგო
🇦🇿 düzensiz
🇲🇽 desordenado
Etymology
The word 'desultory' originates from the Latin term 'desultorius', which means 'jumping down' or 'leaping about.' This Latin root derives from 'desultor,' referring to a circus performer who jumps from one horse to another. Historically, it has been used in English since the early 17th century, maintaining the connotation of aimlessness and lack of connection. The English adaptation has retained the implications of inconsistency and lack of coherent direction, often used to describe thoughts, actions, or even speech that meanders without a logical flow. Over time, 'desultory' has evolved to encapsulate broader meanings in both casual and formal contexts, becoming a descriptor for anything that appears random or chaotic in nature.