superficial
[soo-per-fish-uh l]
- being at, on, or near the surface: a superficial wound.
- of or relating to the surface: superficial measurement.
- external or outward: a superficial resemblance.
- concerned with or comprehending only what is on the surface or obvious: a superficial observer.
- shallow; not profound or thorough: a superficial writer.
- apparent rather than real.
- insubstantial or insignificant: superficial improvements.
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Origin of superficial
1375–1425; late Middle English superfyciall < Late Latin superficiālis, equivalent to Latin superfici(ēs) superficies + -ālis -al1
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
slightcursoryone-dimensionalperfunctorysketchysillytrivialfrivolousapparentcasualcosmeticdesultoryemptyevidentexteriorexternalflashflimsygeneralglibExamples from the Web for superficial
Contemporary Examples
But it will take more than superficial solidarity to dismantle those structures and the ideologies that birthed them.
It is loathed by some critics who find it patronizing, silly, and superficial.
The implication is that she might even have assisted her husband inflicting his superficial wounds.
Every Bentley is made to order, which essentially means anything “superficial” is possible.
George was neither shallow nor superficial; his personality was deep and multidimensional.
When Gary Wright Met George Harrison: Dream Weaver, John and Yoko, and MoreGary Wright
September 29, 2014
Historical Examples
It consisted of a superficial ablution and the loan of a handkerchief.
Southern Lights and ShadowsVarious
And I thought how strangely callous we were, how superficial our sympathy.
Things as They AreAmy Wilson-Carmichael
But presently it became evident that her interest was more than superficial.
Lotus BudsAmy Carmichael
Of the courts of law he gives what he calls a superficial sketch.
LawsPlato
And how was I to make even the most superficial search in three days?
Kent Knowles: QuahaugJoseph C. Lincoln
superficial
- of, relating to, being near, or forming the surfacesuperficial bruising
- displaying a lack of thoroughness or carea superficial inspection
- only outwardly apparent rather than genuine or actualthe similarity was merely superficial
- of little substance or significance; trivialsuperficial differences
- lacking originality or profunditythe film's plot was quite superficial
- (of measurements) involving only the surface area
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Word Origin
C14: from Late Latin superficiālis of the surface, from Latin superficies
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for superficial
adj.
late 14c., in anatomical and mathematical uses, "of or relating to a surface," from Latin superficialis "of or pertaining to the surface," from superficies "surface," from super "above, over" (see super-) + facies "form, face" (see face (n.)). Meaning "not deep, without thorough understanding, cursory" (of perceptions, thoughts, etc.) first recorded early 15c. (implied in superficially "not thoroughly").
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
superficial
(sōō′pər-fĭsh′əl)- Of, affecting, or being on or near the surface.
- Not thorough.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.