otiose
pronunciation
How to pronounce otiose in British English:
UK [ˈəʊtiəʊs]
How to pronounce otiose in American English:
US [ˈoʊʃioʊs]
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- Adjective:
- serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
- producing no result or effect
- disinclined to work or exertion
Word Origin
- otiose
- otiose: see negotiate
- otiose (adj.)
- 1794, "unfruitful, futile," from Latin otiosus "having leisure or ease,unoccupied, idle, not busy" (source of French oiseux, Spanish ocioso, Italian otioso), from otium "leisure, free time, freedom from business," of unknown origin. Meaning "at leisure, idle" is recorded from 1850. Compare Latin phrase otium cum dignitate "leisure with dignity." Earlier adjective in English was otious- "at ease" (1610s), and Middle English had noun otiosity (late 15c.).
Example
- 1. Their policies are otiose , since there are better ways to help the poor , such as direct cash transfers .
- 2. In the knowledge that learned during school , can say basically otiose .
- 3. Otiose lines in a play ; advice is wasted words .
- 4. An otiose belief in alchemy . See also synonyms at futile .
- 5. A futile effort ; the therapy was ineffectual ; an otiose undertaking ; an unavailing attempt .