Desultorily

usgb/ˌdesəlˈtɔːrəli/
adverb

Done without a clear plan or direction.

He flipped through the pages of the book desultorily.
Visual representation of "desultorily" - Done without a clear plan or direction.

Often appears as...

  • talk desultorily
  • read desultorily
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "desultorily"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Plan-less Action

Use 'desultorily' to describe an action done without purpose or clear intention, often aimlessly.

Illustration for Plan-less Action
He wandered around the town desultorily, with no destination in mind.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Subtle Disinterest

'Desultorily' often hints at a very mild, unobvious lack of engagement or concern.

Illustration for Subtle Disinterest
He engaged in the conversation desultorily, not really interested in the topic.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Random

Despite meaning 'aimlessly', 'desultorily' doesn’t imply randomness, but a lack of focus.

Illustration for Not Random
She browsed the shelves desultorily, picking up books and putting them back without much thought.
Word comparison image

Compare with

casualerraticallynegligentperfunctorilyrandomsporadicallysuperficialthoughtless
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Visual representation of the word "Desultorily"

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