Meaning & Definition of Desultory in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: characterized by lack of consistency, plan, or purpose; random.

  Example Sentence: The conversation was desultory, hopping from one topic to another without any real focus.

• Definition: occurring by chance; irregular.

  Example Sentence: His desultory efforts to complete the project led to its eventual failure.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin desultorius, from desultor, meaning 'a leaper' or 'an acrobat', from desultus, past participle of desilire 'to leap down'.

Synonyms

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.

Translations

• Spanish: deslavazado

• French: désultoire

• German: sprunghaft

• Russian: бессистемный

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.