SUPERFICIAL


Meaning of SUPERFICIAL in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-shəl ]

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 -ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē 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

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.