Main Entry: ¹shal·low

Pronunciation: \ˈsha-(ˌ)lō\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English schalowe; probably akin to Old English sceald shallow — more at skeleton

Date: 14th century

1 : having little depth <shallow water>
2 : having little extension inward or backward <office buildings have taken the form of shallow slabs — Lewis Mumford>
3 a : penetrating only the easily or quickly perceived <shallow generalizations> b : lacking in depth of knowledge, thought, or feeling <a shallow demagogue>
4 : displacing comparatively little air : weak <shallow breathing>

synonyms see superficial

— shal·low·ly \-lō-lē, -lə-lē\ adverb

— shal·low·ness noun