desultory - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
desultory Word Meanings
- lacking a plan or purpose
- jumping from one thing to another
- merely superficial or random
desultory Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
desultory Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdɛs.əl.təri/
US
/ˈdɛs.əl.tɔri/
desultory Word Etymology
de- (from) + saltus (jump) → Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a playful monkey jumping from branch to branch without a care, embodying a desultory approach to life.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Desultory means lacking a plan or purpose, or jumping from one thing to another, and sometimes merely superficial or random in nature. The term comes from Latin de- 'from' and saltus 'jump', entering English via Old French. It is often used for actions, conversations, or study that drift without commitment to a goal. A desultory meeting may wander from topic to topic; a desultory effort may produce uneven results. For learners, the challenge is not to confuse desultory with casual or incidental; desultory implies a drift that feels unfocused and, at times, careless. Compare with focused, systematic, or deliberate to grasp the nuance more precisely.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Use desultory for actions that drift without a clear goal. 2. Pair with antonyms like focused or deliberate. 3. Avoid using desultory for completely random events; it implies drift with some aim. 4. Watch for collocations: desultory meeting, desultory glance, desultory effort. 5. Do not confuse with sporadic; sporadic is occasional, desultory is unfocused. 6. Practice with contrasting examples to sharpen nuance.
Common Misconceptions
- Desultory is the same as random or chaotic; it always implies a purposeful drift.
- Desultory only describes actions, not thoughts or conversations.
- Desultory cannot describe a meeting or study routine.
- Confusing desultory with casual means a lack of seriousness is the opposite of the nuance.
- Desultory should always be used for negative judgments; it cannot be positive.
Thinking Differences
Desultory invites learners to think about drift rather than destination, a concept that native English speakers often intuit via collocations like 'desultory meeting' or 'desultory glance'.
Learning Tips
- 1) Learn collocations: desultory glance, desultory remarks, desultory efforts.
- 2) Contrast with focused, systematic, deliberate in practice sentences.
- 3) Note the nuance: drift with some purpose vs drift aimlessly.
- 4) Use in both formal and informal contexts with care.
- 5) Watch common mistakes: using desultory to mean random or sporadic.
- 6) Build quick contrast pairs to cement nuance.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'desultory' mean?
A.Well-planned
B.Focused and organized
C.Lacking a plan or purpose
D.Clear and direct
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'desultory' correctly.
A.The desultory athlete won the championship with a perfect score.
B.Her desultory approach to studying meant she was often unprepared for exams.
C.We took a desultory walk in the park, admiring the organized flower beds.
D.His desultory work ethic earned him a promotion at the company.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'desultory'?
A.Determined
B.Aimless
C.Steadfast
D.Methodical
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'desultory'?
A.Unfocused
B.Erratic
C.Consistent
D.Random
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'desultory' could apply?
A.The team's efforts appeared unfocused, and they struggled to complete the project.
B.The students were very diligent and worked on their assignments every day.
C.Her desultory browsing through the internet led her to discover amazing recipes.
D.The meeting covered the agenda thoroughly and stayed on track throughout.
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