What does desultory mean?
Desultory refers to something that happens or is done at irregular intervals, lacking a regular or orderly pattern. This can apply to conversations, writing, or other forms of communication, as well as actions or events. The word is derived from the Latin 'desultorius', meaning 'leaping aside' or 'jumping aside'. Desultory is often used to describe something that lacks a clear or logical connection, making it difficult to track or follow. In everyday language, desultory can be used to describe a conversation that meanders from one topic to another or a project that is difficult to manage due to its irregular nature. Understanding desultory requires recognizing its connotations of lack of structure or organization. By using desultory in context, one can convey the idea that something is happening or being done in a disjointed or unconnected way. This word is particularly useful in describing situations where a clear or logical approach is not possible or is not being used.
adjectiveHappening or done at irregular intervals; lacking a regular or orderly pattern; lacking a clear or logical connection.
- Happening or done at irregular intervals; lacking a regular or orderly pattern; lacking a clear or logical connection.
"The desultory conversation between the two friends meandered from one topic to another."
"The desultory conversation between the two friends meandered from one topic to another."
"The desultory nature of the project made it difficult to track progress."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of desultory
The word desultory comes from the Latin 'desultorius', meaning 'leaping aside' or 'jumping aside'. This Latin word is derived from 'de-' and 'saltare', to leap or jump. The Latin 'desultare' is the source of the word's meaning, which has been adopted into English to describe something that lacks a regular or orderly pattern.
Usage notes
Desultory is often used to describe conversations, writing, or other forms of communication that lack a clear or logical structure. It can also be used to describe actions or events that happen at irregular intervals.