Superficial - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Superficial describes something shallow or lacking depth, often focusing only on outward appearances or surface qualities. It can refer to people, things, or ideas that are not thorough or meaningful.
Definition:
Concerned only with surface aspects, lacking depth or thoroughness.
Synonyms:
shallow, surface, cursory, skin-deep
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
profound, deep, thorough
Common Collocations:
superficial wound, superficial knowledge, superficial charm
Derivatives:
superficially, superficiality
Usage Tips:
Use "superficial" to describe things lacking depth, like a quick glance or shallow understanding.
Common Phrases:
scratch the surface, skin-deep beauty, superficial resemblance
Etymology:
From Latin "superficialis," meaning "of the surface," from "superficies" (surface).
Examples:
- 1. Her smile was warm but superficial.
- 2. The article gave only a superficial analysis of the issue.
- 3. He has a superficial understanding of the topic.
- 4. Their friendship seemed superficial and insincere.