Shallower Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Psychology

• Research shows that people often seek shallow interactions over deeper, meaningful ones in fast-paced environments.
• In social contexts, shallow relationships are easier to maintain but often lack emotional fulfillment.
• Psychologists suggest that exposure to shallow media can reduce attention spans, making deeper thoughts harder to hold.

Environmental Science

• Shallower bodies of water, like ponds, can heat up more quickly than deeper lakes, affecting ecosystems.
• Shallow waters often support a wider variety of plant life, which can be crucial for local food chains.
• In coastal regions, shallow water habitats are vital for many fish species, providing breeding grounds.

Literature

• In storytelling, shallow characters might lack depth, making them less relatable and memorable.
• Authors often contrast shallow and deep themes to show character growth, illustrating the journey from superficiality to complexity.
• Poetic language frequently uses 'shallow' to evoke images of fragility or a lack of substance.

Pop Culture

• Several songs and movies explore themes of shallow relationships, often highlighting the emptiness they can bring.
• Reality TV often showcases shallow personalities, emphasizing superficiality over genuine connection.
• The phrase 'shallow end of the pool' is commonly used in cultural references to denote a lack of depth in matter, thought, or character.

Main points about word origin

• 'Shallow' comes from Middle English, originally 'shallewe', which means 'not deep'.
• The word has roots in Old English 'sceald', which also means 'shallow' or 'flat'.
• The suffix 'er' is used to describe a comparative form, indicating less depth than something else.

The word 'shallow' has its roots in the Old English word 'sceald,' which means 'to be flat' or 'to be low.' This term is related to the Middle Dutch 'schal,' meaning 'to have little depth.' Over time, the word evolved to encompass not only physical characteristics of depth but also abstract concepts like superficiality in thoughts and discussions. In the English language, 'shallower' acts as the comparative form of 'shallow,' indicating a relative reduction in depth. Its usage has been documented in literature since at least the 16th century, often in both literal and figurative contexts. As language has developed, 'shallower' has become essential in environmental science, psychology, and everyday dialogue, underscoring its versatile applicability.

With rank #18,598, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 18595 timeliness
• 18596 wheeling
• 18597 regaining
• 18598 shallower
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• 18600 orthography
• 18601 ethically
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