Definitions
- Describing a conversation or speech that lacks coherence or focus. - Referring to an activity or behavior that is random, haphazard, or lacking in direction. - Talking about a task or project that is done without enthusiasm or commitment.
- Referring to something that occurs irregularly or infrequently. - Describing something that happens in scattered or isolated instances. - Talking about something that is inconsistent or unpredictable in its occurrence.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe irregularity or inconsistency.
- 2Both can be used to describe behavior or events that lack continuity.
- 3Both can be used to describe things that happen infrequently or unpredictably.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Desultory emphasizes a lack of direction or purpose, while sporadic emphasizes irregularity or inconsistency.
- 2Intensity: Desultory implies a lack of enthusiasm or commitment, while sporadic does not necessarily carry this connotation.
- 3Scope: Desultory is often used to describe individual actions or behaviors, while sporadic can refer to larger events or patterns.
- 4Frequency: Sporadic implies less frequency than desultory, which can occur more frequently but lack direction or purpose.
- 5Connotation: Desultory has a negative connotation, while sporadic can be neutral or positive depending on the context.
Remember this!
Desultory and sporadic are both words that describe irregularity or inconsistency. However, desultory emphasizes a lack of direction or purpose, often with a negative connotation, while sporadic emphasizes irregularity or infrequency, without necessarily carrying a negative connotation. Desultory is often used to describe individual actions or behaviors, while sporadic can refer to larger events or patterns.
