miscellaneous

[mis-uh-ley-nee-uhs]

adjective

1. consisting of members or elements of different kinds; of mixed character.

   a book of miscellaneous essays on American history.

   Synonyms: diversified, heterogeneous, varied, divers

2. having various qualities, aspects, or subjects.

   a miscellaneous discussion.

miscellaneous

/ ˌmɪsəˈleɪnɪəs /

adjective

1. composed of or containing a variety of things; mixed; varied

2. having varied capabilities, sides, etc

Other Word Forms

• miscellaneously adverb
• miscellaneousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of miscellaneous¹

1630–40; from Latin miscellāneus “mixed, of all sorts,” equivalent to miscell(us) “mixed” + -ān(us) -an + -eus -eous

Word History and Origins

Origin of miscellaneous¹

C17: from Latin miscellāneus, from miscellus mixed, from miscēre to mix

Synonym Study

Miscellaneous, indiscriminate, promiscuous refer to mixture and lack of order, and may imply lack of discernment or taste. Miscellaneous emphasizes the idea of the mixture of things of different kinds or natures: a miscellaneous assortment of furniture. Indiscriminate emphasizes lack of discrimination in choice (and consequent confusion): indiscriminate praise. Promiscuous is even stronger than indiscriminate in its emphasis of complete absence of discrimination: promiscuous in his friendships.

Example Sentences

Just outside his office, he’s curated a Wall of Treasures, composed of miscellaneous objects he found in furniture purchased at auction.

From Los Angeles Times

Cameroni De Adams was found three weeks later on Dec. 6 “wedged under miscellaneous items in the vehicle’s middle row,” according to the claim.

From Los Angeles Times

One account said the Russians paid the Kashia Pomo people already living there “three blankets, two axes, three hoes, and a miscellaneous assortment of beads” for the use of the land.

From Los Angeles Times

Publicly traded U.S. companies must disclose top executives’ salaries, the value of newly granted stock and options and an assortment of miscellaneous perks like personal security guards or corporate jets.

From New York Times

Millions of miscellaneous items are posted for sale each day, but on 7 August 2016, something unusual happened.

From BBC

Related Words

• sundry