Ooo
I was going to guess a type of emotion, but actually helps a lot, so thank you :]
An adjective describing behavior or activity more common to ADHDers and youngsters. Hmmm.
Does it have to do with multitasking or going about from one task to another in a hurried manner?
*Ding - ding - ding - ding - ding* !!!! And we have a winner, Folks!
We have winner! 😄🤸♂️
desultory (adj.):
1. Of Thought or Internal State: Non-sequential; lacking intellectual cohesion.
- a. Moving irregularly from one idea or project to another without a sustaining transition.
- b. Characterized by the "fragmented rush" of a mind attempting to process multiple disconnected plans simultaneously.
- c. Lacking a fixed focus or "mental anchor"; cognitively drifting.
Ex. She attempted to organize the upcoming move in a
desultory manner, jumping from bubble wrap to whole house cleanup
2. Of Conversation or Social Interaction: Digressive; wandering.
- a. Jumping from topic to topic without reaching a conclusion or establishing a logical thread.
- b. Lacking a central purpose that is light, aimless, or episodic.
Ex. He reviewed the complex schematics in a
desultory manner, allowing his focus to drift toward his dinner plans.
3. Of Outward Action: Discontinuous; fitful, occurring in scattered or random starts rather than a steady, concentrated effort.
b. Lacking a definite plan or "follow-through"; marked by the absence of a methodical approach to a task.
EX. They studied the history in a
desultory manner, absorbing random anecdotes about
kings while ignoring their causing the
wars."
The etymology is fascinating ( if you get excited by etymologies...which I do😁)
The Latin root of the word is
desultor, (pl. desultores): orig. a circus performer in ancient Rome specializing in acrobatic acts where he leapt between galloping
horses and even between chariots.
Desultor derives from the verb
desilio (4th conj. desilio, desilire, desilui, desultum)
: to jump down or to leap down.
It is where we also get the "sault" in
somersault
