What does desultorily mean?
Desultorily is an adverb describing action done in an aimless, unconnected way — drifting from one activity or topic to another without a fixed plan, purpose, or sustained attention. Someone who reads desultorily dips into books at random rather than following a course of study; a conversation that moves desultorily wanders without direction. The word derives from the Latin desultor, a circus performer who jumped from horse to horse while they were moving, and it entered English in the early seventeenth century alongside its parent adjective desultory. It belongs chiefly to formal and literary writing, where it often carries a mildly critical shade, implying a lack of diligence or follow-through, though it can simply describe relaxed, unsystematic activity. Its precise image and classical pedigree make it a more vivid alternative to plain words like randomly or haphazardly.
adverbIn a manner that lacks a fixed plan or purpose; jumping from one thing to another without consistent focus or connection.
- In an aimless, unplanned way, moving from one thing to another without fixed purpose or sustained attention.
"She read desultorily, dipping into one book after another without finishing any of them."
"The committee discussed the budget desultorily, wandering from topic to topic before adjourning without a decision."
"He had studied law desultorily for years, never committing to the exams."
It comes from the Latin desultor — a circus rider who leapt from horse to horse mid-gallop — so calling your reading 'desultory' literally compares you to an ancient acrobat vaulting between steeds.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of desultorily
Desultorily comes from the adjective desultory, formed on the Latin desultorius, from desultor, meaning a rider who leaps from one galloping horse to another (from desilire, 'to leap down'). English adopted desultory in the early seventeenth century, and the adverb followed soon after. It shares its Latin root salire ('to leap') with words such as insult, exult, and resile.
Related word forms
How desultorily is actually used
Formal to literary in register; rare in casual speech. Often carries a mildly disapproving connotation, suggesting lack of discipline or commitment, though it can neutrally describe relaxed, unstructured activity.
Easily confused with desultorily
Desperately means with great urgency or despair, while desultorily means in an unfocused, aimless manner — the words share no meaning despite a superficial sound resemblance.