Cursory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
cursory
[หkษหrsษri ]
Definitions
quick examination
hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed
Synonyms
brief, perfunctory, superficial.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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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 |
|---|---|
| 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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research in cognitive psychology shows that people often skim content when they are overwhelmed by information.
- Looking over something briefly can lead to misunderstandings, as important details might be missed.
- Cursory reading can be related to attention span; shorter spans often lead to quicker, less detailed understanding.
Education
- In academic settings, cursory reading is sometimes used to initially assess the relevance of texts before in-depth study.
- Teachers often encourage students to recognize the difference between cursory and thorough reading, as both have their uses.
- Cursory assessments might be common in standardized testing, where time constraints limit detailed analysis.
Pop Culture
- In film and television, characters often demonstrate cursory views of situations, leading to humorous misunderstandings or plot twists.
- Many news articles today are consumed cursively, with audiences scanning headlines before diving into full stories.
- Social media trends encourage cursory reading, where likes and shares often matter more than the depth of content.
Literature
- Cursory descriptions in literature can create vivid imagery quickly, giving readers a fast sense of place or character.
- Some authors utilize cursory narratives as a style choice, leaving details to the reader's imagination.
- Many literary critiques emphasize the difference between cursory reading and critical analysis for deeper appreciation of texts.
Origin of 'cursory'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin term 'cursorius', which means 'running', emphasizing speed.
- It was first used in English around the early 17th century, reflecting the increasing pace of communication and work.
- The root of 'cursory' is 'currere', meaning 'to run', highlighting the idea of rapid action.
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.