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> b British 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>.