Dictionary

otiose

adjective oti·ose \ˈō-shē-ˌōs, ˈō-tē-\

Definition of OTIOSE

1
:  producing no useful result :  futile
2
:  being at leisure :  idle
3
:  lacking use or effect :  functionless
oti·ose·ly adverb
oti·ose·ness noun
oti·os·i·ty \ˌō-shē-ˈä-sə-tē, ˌō-tē-\ noun
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Origin of OTIOSE

Latin otiosus, from otium leisure
First Known Use: 1794

Synonym Discussion of OTIOSE

vain, nugatory, otiose, idle, empty, hollow mean being without worth or significance. vain implies either absolute or relative absence of value <vain promises>. nugatory suggests triviality or insignificance <a monarch with nugatory powers>. otiose suggests that something serves no purpose and is either an encumbrance or a superfluity <a film without a single otiose scene>. idle suggests being incapable of worthwhile use or effect <idle speculations>. empty and hollow suggest a deceiving lack of real substance or soundness or genuineness <an empty attempt at reconciliation> <a hollow victory>.

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