desultory
/ˈdɛs.əl.t(ə).ɹi/
Group 3Difficulty 3/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm GRE
Example in Context
The committee's desultory approach to the investigation, marked by infrequent meetings and vague mandates, produced no meaningful findings.
Synonyms
randomaimlessscattered
Etymology
Originally meant 'leaping' but now signifies a lack of direction or purpose.
- desultorius (Latin) — leaping
Memory Aid
🌀Sounds like “dizzy story”
A dizzy storyteller jumping from one plot to another — so DESULTORY!
Visual Association
🔄A person spinning in circles while trying to narrate a confusing tale, lacking focus.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “desultory” mean on the GRE?
desultory (adjective) means “Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm”. The committee's desultory approach to the investigation, marked by infrequent meetings and vague mandates, produced no meaningful findings.
How to remember “desultory” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “desultory” sounds like “dizzy story”. A dizzy storyteller jumping from one plot to another — so DESULTORY!
What are synonyms for “desultory”?
Common synonyms: random, aimless, scattered.