superficial
/,sju:pə'fiʃəl/
Definition
- Adjective:
- Relating to or located on the surface: Pertaining to the outer layer or external aspect of something.
- Lacking depth or thoroughness: Concerned with or understanding only the obvious and apparent aspects; not profound, serious, or complete.
- Apparent but not real or substantial: Seeming to be true or important only at first glance; not significant when examined more closely.
Examples of Usage
- Relating to the surface:
- The wound was only superficial and healed quickly.
- They made superficial measurements of the land.
- Lacking depth or thoroughness:
- His analysis of the problem was disappointingly superficial.
- She has a superficial understanding of the theory.
- Apparent but not substantial:
- The two designs have only superficial differences.
- Their friendship was based on superficial similarities.
Advanced Usage
- "superficial charm": An appealing manner that is not sincere or deep.
- He used his superficial charm to win people over quickly.
- "superficial resemblance": A similarity that is only in outward appearance.
- There is a superficial resemblance between the two species, but they are genetically distinct.
Variants and Related Words
- Superficially (adverb): In a way that is on or near the surface, or that is not thorough.
- The two plans are superficially similar.
- Superficiality (noun): The quality of being superficial.
- The superficiality of the debate frustrated the experts.
Synonyms
- Surface: On the outside.
- Shallow: Lacking depth of thought or knowledge.
- Cursory: Hasty and therefore not thorough.
- Facile: Appearing neat and comprehensive only by ignoring the true complexities.
Antonyms
- Deep: Very intense or extreme.
- Profound: Having deep insight or understanding.
- Thorough: Carried out completely and carefully.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "scratch the surface": To deal with only a small part of a subject or problem.
- Our investigation has only scratched the surface of this complex issue.
Adjective
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of little substance or significance
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a few superficial editorial changes
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only trivial objections
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of, affecting, or being on or near the surface
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superficial measurements
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the superficial area of the wall
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a superficial wound
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concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually
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superficial similarities
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a superficial mind
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his thinking was superficial and fuzzy
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superficial knowledge
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the superficial report didn't give the true picture
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only superficial differences
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