adj.
Pronunciation: ˌ sü-p ə r- ' fi-sh ə l
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 \ - ' fi-sh( ə -)l ē \ 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 of the problem>. SHALLOW is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character <a light, shallow, and frivolous review>. CURSORY suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details <gave the letter only a cursory reading>.