adj.
Pronunciation: ' sha-( ˌ )l ō
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 \ -l ō -l ē , -l ə -l ē \ adverb
– shal · low · ness noun