PERFUNCTORY


Meaning of PERFUNCTORY in English

pə(r)ˈfəŋ(k)t(ə)rē, -)ri adjective

Etymology: Late Latin perfunctorius, from Latin perfunctus (past participle of perfungi to accomplish, perform, get through with, from per-, prefix denoting completion + fungi to perform) + -orius -ory — more at per- , function

1. : characterized by routine or superficiality : done merely as a duty : cursory , mechanical

gave a perfunctory smile and became again immersed in the folder — Ethel Wilson

a speech more lifeless and perfunctory than most of its mechanical type — S.H.Adams

the subject of eternal life is a perfunctory addendum to the last chapter — Walter Lowrie

2. : lacking in interest or enthusiasm : apathetic , indifferent

a wooden and perfunctory pedagogue — John Dewey

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.