Shallowly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'shallow' comes from the Old English 'sceald,' which described shallow water.
• The suffix '-ly' is added to adjectives to turn them into adverbs, explaining how something is done.
• Together, 'shallowly' indicates a manner that lacks depth, whether in water or thoughts.

Psychology

• People who think 'shallowly' may overlook deeper meanings in conversations, leading to misunderstandings.
• Shallow thinking is often linked to short attention spans, which can affect learning outcomes.
• Critics of modern social media argue it promotes shallow thinking by favoring quick reactions over deep reflection.

Literature

• Authors often create shallow characters to illustrate themes of superficiality or materialism in society.
• Shallowly drawn plots may engage readers quickly but lack the substance that leads to lasting impact.
• The contrast between deep and shallow narratives often serves to highlight personal growth or moral lessons.

Cinema

• Many films use shallow characters to explore the pitfalls of modern culture, aiming to spark dialogue on authenticity.
• Shallow plots can lead to box office success if they provide entertaining spectacle rather than intellectual depth.
• In contrast, award-winning films tend to invite viewers to think more deeply about cultural, social, or psychological issues.

Education

• In classrooms, engaging students deeply rather than superficially aids in better retention of knowledge.
• Projects that encourage deep thinking often yield more creative and insightful results compared to those that are shallow.
• Shallow learning is often seen as a barrier to developing critical thinking skills necessary for problem-solving.

At rank #27,243, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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