desultory

 
Pronunciation: /ˈdɛs(ə)lt(ə)ri, -z-/

adjective

  • lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm: a few people were left, dancing in a desultory fashion
  • (of conversation or speech) going from one subject to another in a half-hearted way: the desultory conversation faded
  • occurring randomly or occasionally: desultory passengers were appearing

Derivatives

desultorily

adverb

desultoriness

noun

Origin:

late 16th century (also in the literal sense 'skipping about'): from Latin desultorius 'superficial' (literally 'relating to a vaulter'), from desultor 'vaulter', from the verb desilire