Meaning & Definition of word "Desultory"
to
Desultory
/ˈdɛs.əl.tɔː.ri/
adjective:
- 1. Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; occurring by chance.
- Example: His desultory approach to studying for the exam left him unprepared when the day arrived.
- 2. Jumping from one thing to another; disconnected.
- Example: The conversation was desultory, drifting from topic to topic without any clear direction.
- 3. Random; erratic.
- Example: She made a desultory attempt to clean her room, spending more time on her phone than tidying up.
Etymology
From Latin desultorius, from desultor, meaning 'a leaper' or 'an acrobat', from desultus, past participle of desilire 'to leap down'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
desultory conversation:
a conversation that lacks a clear direction or focus.
desultory effort:
an effort that is inconsistent and lacks persistence.
desultory thoughts:
thoughts that are disconnected and not coherent.
Related Words
rambling:
going from one subject to another without any clear purpose.
erratic:
irregular in performance or behavior; unpredictable.
meandering:
following a winding course; wandering aimlessly.
Slang Meanings of desultory
Meaning: scattered thoughts
Example Sentence: His notes were just a collection of desultory thoughts with no coherence.
Meaning: half-hearted efforts
Example Sentence: She gave a desultory attempt to clean the room before giving up.