desultory

Advancedzipf 2.10

Pronunciation

/ˈdɛsəltəri/(DES-ul-tuh-ree)

Part of speech

adjectiveformal

Chinese

漫无目的的；散漫的

Definition

Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; occurring randomly or sporadically.

Word family

  • desultorily/ˈdɛsəltərɪli/(adv)散漫地

Collocations

  • desultory conversation
  • desultory attempt
  • desultory manner
  • desultory effort

Examples

  1. 1.They made desultory conversation about the weather while waiting for the bus. (aimless)
  2. 2.His desultory approach to studying resulted in predictably poor exam results. (unfocused)

Synonyms

  • halfhearted/ˌhɑːfˈhɑːtɪd/— lacking enthusiasm
  • aimless/ˈeɪmləs/— without purpose
  • sporadic/spəˈrædɪk/— occurring at irregular intervals

Etymology

from Latin "desultorius" — "desultor" = a circus rider who leaps between horses — jumping from one thing to another