Cursory: meaning, definitions and examples

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cursory

 

[ ˈkɜːrsəri ]

Adjective / Adverb
Context #1 | Adjective

quick examination

hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed

Synonyms

brief, perfunctory, superficial.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cursory

This word is often used when something is done quickly and without much attention to detail. It can imply a lack of thoroughness.

  • She gave the document a cursory glance.
  • His cursory inspection missed several important flaws.
perfunctory

This word is used to describe actions that are done as a formality or duty, often with little enthusiasm or interest. It carries a negative connotation.

  • His apology was perfunctory and lacked sincerity.
  • The teacher gave a perfunctory nod to the student's question.
superficial

This term is used when referring to something that is only on the surface and lacks depth. It is often used in a negative sense to imply insufficiency or lack of thoroughness.

  • The article offers only a superficial understanding of the topic.
  • Her evaluation was superficial, missing several key details.
brief

This term is typically used when emphasizing the short duration or concise nature of something. It does not necessarily imply a lack of detail or effort.

  • The meeting was brief but productive.
  • In a brief statement, the company addressed the issue.

Examples of usage

  • He gave the report only a cursory glance before moving on to the next task.
  • The police conducted a cursory search of the suspect's apartment.
Context #2 | Adverb

quickly

in a quick and superficial way

Synonyms

casually, hastily, rapidly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cursory

Use 'cursory' when describing something that is done quickly and without attention to detail.

  • He gave the document a cursory glance
casually

Use 'casually' when describing something done in a relaxed or informal manner.

  • She casually mentioned her plans for the weekend
hastily

Use 'hastily' when something is done quickly, often due to urgency, and may imply recklessness.

  • He hastily packed his bags and left for the airport
rapidly

Use 'rapidly' when describing an action done very quickly or in a short period of time, often used for movements or changes.

  • The company is expanding rapidly this year

Examples of usage

  • She skimmed the book cursorily to find the main points.
  • He answered the questions cursorily without much thought.

Translations

Translations of the word "cursory" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superficial

🇮🇳 सतही

🇩🇪 oberflächlich

🇮🇩 sekilas

🇺🇦 поверхневий

🇵🇱 pobieżny

🇯🇵 表面的な

🇫🇷 superficiel

🇪🇸 superficial

🇹🇷 yüzeysel

🇰🇷 피상적인

🇸🇦 سَطْحِيّ

🇨🇿 povrchní

🇸🇰 povrchný

🇨🇳 肤浅的

🇸🇮 površen

🇮🇸 yfirborðskenndur

🇰🇿 жұқалама

🇬🇪 ზედაპირული

🇦🇿 səthi

🇲🇽 superficial

Etymology

The word 'cursory' originated from the Latin word 'cursorius', meaning 'swift'. It first appeared in English in the early 17th century. The term has evolved to describe something done quickly and without much attention to detail.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,820, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.