Desultory
[deh-SUHL-tor-ee]
Part of speech: adjective
Origin: Latin, late 16th century
1.
Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; (of conversation or speech) going constantly from one subject to another in a halfhearted way; unfocused.
2.
Occurring randomly or occasionally.
Examples of Desultory in a sentence
"The conversation at the party became more desultory as the night wore on."
"Evelyn had a habit of popping in on her friends in a desultory manner."
About Desultory
This word stems from the Latin “desultorius,” meaning “superficial” (literally “relating to a vaulter”). That comes from “desultor,” meaning “vaulter,” from the verb “desilire.”
Did you Know?
“Desultory” stems from the Latin adjective “desultorius.” In ancient times, this term was used to refer to a “desultor,” a circus performer whose primary trick was to leap from one horse to another and another without stopping.
