Cursory - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Cursory means done quickly and without attention to detail. It describes a superficial or hasty examination, often lacking thoroughness, such as a cursory glance at a document.
Definition:
Quick and superficial, without attention to detail.
Synonyms:
hasty, perfunctory, superficial, rushed
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
thorough, meticulous, detailed
Common Collocations:
cursory glance, cursory examination, cursory look, cursory review
Derivatives:
cursorily, cursoriness
Usage Tips:
Use "cursory" to describe actions done hastily or without depth, often implying negligence or lack of care.
Common Phrases:
cursory glance, cursory inspection, cursory reading
Etymology:
From Latin "cursorius" (of a runner), from "currere" (to run), reflecting speed over thoroughness.
Examples:
- 1. She gave the report a cursory glance before the meeting.
- 2. His cursory inspection missed several critical errors in the document.
- 3. The teacher’s feedback was disappointingly cursory and unhelpful.
- 4. A cursory search online won’t yield reliable results for your research.