-ory

of or relating to

Usage

  • perfunctory

    A perfunctory action is done with little care or interest; consequently, it is only completed because it is expected of someone to do so.

  • cursory

    A cursory examination or reading of something is very quick, incomplete, and does not pay close attention to detail.

  • desultory

    Something that is desultory is done in a way that is unplanned, disorganized, and without direction.

  • statutory

    Something statutory, such as the power given to a governor or president, is created, established, and controlled by rules and laws; hence, it has the full force of the law behind it and must be followed.

  • refractory

    Refractory people deliberately don't obey someone in authority and so are difficult to deal with or control.

  • dilatory

    Someone or something that is dilatory is slow and causes delay.

  • prefatory

    Prefatory comments refer to an introduction to a book or speech.

  • illusory

    Something illusory appears real or possible; in fact, it is neither.

  • laudatory

    A laudatory article or speech expresses praise or admiration for someone or something.

  • olfactory

    Your olfactory senses pertain to your sense of smell.

  • peremptory

    A peremptory action, such as a decree or demand, is authoritative and absolute; therefore, it is not open to debate but must be carried out.

  • derogatory

    A derogatory statement about another person is highly offensive, critical, uncomplimentary, and often insulting.

  • predatory

    A predatory animal hunts other animals in order to eat them.

  • supererogatory

    Supererogatory effort is above and beyond that which is expected or asked for.

  • celebratory

    used for celebrating

  • contradictory

    of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false

  • expository

    serving to expound or set forth

  • interrogatory

    relating to the use of or having the nature of an interrogation

  • introductory

    serving to open or begin

  • inventory

    make or include in an itemized record or report

  • migratory

    used of animals that move seasonally

  • sensory

    of a nerve fiber or impulse originating outside and passing toward the central nervous system

  • valedictory

    of or relating to an occasion or expression of farewell

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