How to Pronounce Desultory

To pronounce "desultory", say DES-ult-ory — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈdɛs.əl.t(ə).ɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

desultory

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈdɛs.əl.t(ə).ɹi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “desultory”

"desultory" has 3 syllables: des-ult-ory. It rhymes with repository and hoary, if that helps it stick.

What does desultory mean?

adjective

  1. Jumping, or passing, from one thing or subject to another, without order, planning, or rational connection; lacking logical sequence.

    “He wandered round, cleaning up in a desultory way.”

  2. Out of course; by the way; not connected with the subject.

    “I made a desultory remark while I was talking to my friend.”

Synonyms

aimlessdisconnectedquodlibeticquodlibeticalunmethodical

Words that rhyme with desultory

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

repositoryhoaryquarryallegorytransitoryambulatoryglorydilatoryaleatoryterritoryobligatoryinventory

Related words

purposelessabruptorderlesscursoryindirecteddirectionlessmethodlessdesultorious

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "desultory"?▾

"Desultory" has 3 syllables: des · ult · ory.

What is the IPA transcription of "desultory"?▾

The IPA transcription of "desultory" is /ˈdɛs.əl.t(ə).ɹi/.

What does "desultory" mean?▾

Desultory: Jumping, or passing, from one thing or subject to another, without order, planning, or rational connection; lacking logical sequence.

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