desultory

[ des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful:

   desultory conversation.

2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random:

   a desultory remark.

desultory

/ ˈdɛsəltərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. passing or jumping from one thing to another, esp in a fitful way; unmethodical; disconnected
2. occurring in a random or incidental way; haphazard

   a desultory thought

Derived Forms

• ˈdesultoriness, noun
• ˈdesultorily, adverb

Other Words From

• desul·tori·ly adverb
• desul·tori·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of desultory¹

1575–85; < Latin dēsultōrius pertaining to a dēsultor (a circus rider who jumps from one horse to another), equivalent to dēsul-, variant stem of dēsilīre to jump down ( dē- de- + -silīre, combining form of salīre to leap) + -tōrius -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of desultory¹

C16: from Latin dēsultōrius, relating to one who vaults or jumps, hence superficial, from dēsilīre to jump down, from de- + salīre to jump

Example Sentences

Last night he did an obscure X interview show and seemed desultory and depressed.

From Salon

“How to Rob a Bank” isn’t really interested in those bigger questions, instead heading in a more desultory direction.

From New York Times

His latest victim was Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who on Sunday ended his campaign with a desultory video in which he endorsed Trump.

From Seattle Times

It was a suitably desultory ending for what has turned into a desultory caucus.

From New York Times

After a desultory opening month, the Pac-12 produced its best weekend of the men’s basketball season.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• aimless
• chaotic
• erratic
• haphazard