Cursory: meaning, definitions and examples
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cursory
[ ˈkɜːrsəri ]
quick examination
hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed
Synonyms
brief, perfunctory, superficial.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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cursory |
This word is often used when something is done quickly and without much attention to detail. It can imply a lack of thoroughness.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
quickly
in a quick and superficial way
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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cursory |
Use 'cursory' when describing something that is done quickly and without attention to detail.
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casually |
Use 'casually' when describing something done in a relaxed or informal manner.
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hastily |
Use 'hastily' when something is done quickly, often due to urgency, and may imply recklessness.
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rapidly |
Use 'rapidly' when describing an action done very quickly or in a short period of time, often used for movements or changes.
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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.