su ‧ per ‧ fi ‧ cial /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃ ə l◂ $ -pər-/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Late Latin ; Origin: superficialis , from Latin superficies 'surface' , from facies 'face' ]
1 . NOT LOOKING/STUDYING CAREFULLY not studying or looking at something carefully and only seeing the most noticeable things
superficial examination/study etc
Even a superficial inspection revealed serious flaws.
Naturally, such visits can allow only the most superficial understanding of prison life.
2 . APPEARANCE seeming to have a particular quality, although this is not true or real
superficial resemblance/similarity
Despite their superficial similarities, the two novels are, in fact, very different.
Beneath his refined manners and superficial elegance lay something treacherous.
at/on a superficial level
At a superficial level, things seem to have remained the same.
3 . WOUND/DAMAGE affecting only the surface of your skin or the outside part of something, and therefore not serious:
She escaped with only superficial cuts and bruises.
superficial damage
4 . PERSON someone who is superficial does not think about things that are serious or important – used to show disapproval SYN shallow :
All the other girls seemed silly and superficial to Darlene.
5 . NOT IMPORTANT superficial changes, difficulties etc are not important and do not have a big effect SYN minor :
superficial changes in government policies
6 . TOP LAYER existing in or relating to the top layer of something, especially soil, rock etc
—superficially adverb
—superficiality /ˌsuːpəfɪʃiˈæləti, ˌsuːpəfɪʃiˈælɪti $ -pər-/ noun [uncountable]