Main Entry:

su·per·fi·cial

Pronunciation:

\ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-shəl\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Late Latin superficialis, from Latin superficies

Date:

15th century

1 a (1): of, relating to, or located near a surface (2): lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface <superficial wounds> bBritish of a unit of measure : square <superficial foot>2 a: concerned only with the obvious or apparent : shallow b: seen on the surface : external c: presenting only an appearance without substance or significance

— su·per·fi·cial·ly \-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb

synonyms superficial, shallow, cursory mean lacking in depth or solidity. superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features <a superficial analysis>. shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character <a shallow review>. cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details <a cursory reading>.