| English Dictionary |
OTIOSE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
Dictionary entry overview: What does otiose mean?
• OTIOSE (adjective)
The adjective OTIOSE has 3 senses:
1. serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
2. producing no result or effect
3. disinclined to work or exertion
Familiarity information: OTIOSE used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being
Synonyms:
otiose; pointless; purposeless; senseless; superfluous; wasted
Context example:
senseless violence
Similar:
worthless (lacking in usefulness or value)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Producing no result or effect
Synonyms:
futile; ineffectual; meaningless; otiose; unavailing
Context example:
an unavailing attempt
Similar:
useless (having no beneficial use or incapable of functioning usefully)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Disinclined to work or exertion
Synonyms:
faineant; indolent; lazy; otiose; slothful; work-shy
Context example:
the unemployed are not necessarily work-shy
Similar:
idle (not in action or at work)
| Learn English with... Proverbs |
"The coward shoots with shut eyes." (Native American proverb, tribe unknown)
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"The fox can lose his fur but not his cunning." (Corsican proverb)