Which word means 'jumping from one thing to another'?

• A. Dirge
• B. Diatribe
• C. Diffident
• D. Desultory

Answer: (D)

Desultory describes something that wanders from one thing to another, often without a clear plan or focus. The term itself comes from a Latin root meaning “to leap,” conveying the image of jumping from topic to topic or from idea to idea. That sense of drifting, unfocused movement makes it the best match for “jumping from one thing to another.”

The other words don’t fit that sense. A dirge is a mournful song for the dead, a diatribe is a bitter, scathing critique, and diffident means shy or lacking in self-confidence. None of these imply jumping around between topics.