[su.per.fi.cial] adj [ME, fr. LL superficialis, fr. L superficies] (15c) 1 a (1): of or relating to a surface (2): lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface "~ wounds" b Brit, of a unit of measure: square "~ foot"
2. a: concerned only with the obvious or apparent: shallow b: lying on the surface: external c: presenting only an appearance without substance or significance -- su.per.fi.cial.ly adv syn 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".