lacking a plan or purpose; random and disconnected
example
His desultory efforts to stay fit consisted of sporadic gym visits and a few short runs each month.
synonyms
disconnectedaimlessrandom
word origin — from Latin 'desultorius', meaning 'jumping, skipping, or jumping in and out', from 'desultor', meaning 'one who leaps down, one who leaps from one thing to another'
desultory, obdurate, arduous, adroit, histrionic: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 26. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
desultory · adjective/ˈdɛs.əl.tɔːr.i/
lacking a plan or purpose; random and disconnected
His desultory efforts to stay fit consisted of sporadic gym visits and a few short runs each month.
Synonyms: disconnected, aimless, random
Origin: from Latin 'desultorius', meaning 'jumping, skipping, or jumping in and out', from 'desultor', meaning 'one who leaps down, one who leaps from one thing to another'
obdurate · adjective/ˈɑb.dʒər.ət/
stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action
Despite numerous pleas for compassion, the obdurate politician refused to reconsider his harsh policies on immigration.
Synonyms: stubborn, unyielding, inflexible
Origin: from Latin 'obduratus', meaning 'hardened', from 'ob-' meaning 'against' and 'durare' meaning 'to last, to endure'
arduous · adjective/ˈɑrdʒ.u.əs/
involving or requiring strenuous effort difficult and tiring
The team faced an arduous journey through the mountains, which tested their endurance and resolve.
Synonyms: difficult, hard, taxing
Origin: from Middle English 'arduous', Latin 'arduus', meaning 'high, steep, difficult'
adroit · adjective/əˈdrɔɪt/
clever or skillful in using the hands or mind
The adroit pianist captivated the audience with his intricate melodies and flawless technique.
Synonyms: skillful, adept, deft
Origin: from French 'adroit', meaning 'skillful', from 'à droit' meaning 'to the right' or 'properly'
histrionic · adjective/ˌhɪstriˈɑnɪk/
excessively theatrical or dramatic in character or style
Her histrionic outburst during the meeting shocked everyone, as she often prided herself on being calm and collected.
Synonyms: theatrical, melodramatic, overstated
Origin: The word 'histrionic' derives from the Latin 'histrionicus,' meaning 'pertaining to an actor,' from 'histrio,' meaning 'actor.'