Word of the day, 21 May 2025: ‘Otiose’

Word of the day: ‘OTIOSE’
Pronunciation: /ˈoʊ.ti.oʊs/

Meaning
Otiose refers to something that is useless, ineffective, or pointless, often described as redundant or superfluous. It can also mean idle or lazy.

Origin
The word "otiose" originates from the Latin word "ōtiōsus," meaning "at leisure, inactive, undisturbed." In the late 18th century, it was first used in English to describe things that were pointless or produced no useful result, similar to how leisure was sometimes viewed.

History
During the 18th and 19th centuries, "otiose" was frequently used in philosophical and religious contexts to describe arguments, ideas, or traditions considered obsolete or pointless. In modern usage, it implies something superfluous, unnecessary, or idle, often indicating a lack of purpose or value.

Examples from books and articles

• "A clumsy criticism, bereft of any fine appreciation of times and habits unlike the present, might I suppose attempt to remove the latter clause from that place as being 'otiose'." — The Traditional Text of the Holy Gospels by John William Burgon
• "A consistently mechanical view has to regard all intelligence as otiose, as an 'epi-phenomenal by-product' or fifth wheel to the cart, in the absence of which the given results would no less have occurred." — A Grammar of Freethought by Chapman Cohen

Synonyms:

• Futile
• Unsuccessful
• Useless
• Unavailing
• Abortive
• Ineffective
• Redundant
• Superfluous
• Idle
• Pointless