Desultory: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• Originates from the Latin word 'desultorius', which means 'jumping down' or 'leaping about'.
• The term was used to describe circus performers who jumped from one horse to another, reflecting a lack of focus.
• It entered English language usage in the mid-17th century, initially relating to a haphazard way of speaking.

Psychology

• A desultory conversation can lead to feelings of confusion and disconnect for participants.
• In cognitive studies, desultory thinking might be linked to creative problem solving, as it encourages non-linear connections.
• Disorganized patterns in thought can sometimes be symptomatic of certain mental health conditions, such as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

Literature

• Writers often use desultory dialogue to reflect characters' mental states or to create relatable, realistic conversations.
• In modern literature, desultory narrative styles mirror the fragmented nature of social media communication.
• Famous authors such as James Joyce utilized a desultory style to evoke stream-of-consciousness writing.

Art

• In art, a desultory approach may manifest as a collage of styles or an unpredictable exploration of themes.
• Some contemporary artists use desultory elements to make statements about modern life’s chaos and unpredictability.
• Exhibitions featuring desultory art often encourage viewers to interpret pieces in personal, individual ways, rather than adhering to strict meanings.

Pop Culture

• In film, characters who exhibit desultory behavior can often be seen as reflective of the disconnection and rapid pacing of modern life.
• Television shows that feature non-linear storytelling can evoke a sense of desultory narrative, engaging viewers to piece together plots.
• Social media's rapid-fire format often fosters desultory discussions, leading to threads that frequently jump from one topic to another.

Positioned at #20,522, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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