Superficial: meaning, definitions and examples

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superficial

[ ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl ]

^{Context #1}

appearance

Existing or occurring at or on the surface. Shallow rather than deep. Lacking depth of character or understanding. Concerned only with what is obvious or apparent.

Synonyms

external, shallow, skin-deep, surface-level

Examples of usage

She had a superficial wound on her arm.
His superficial charm belied a lack of sincerity.
The painting had a superficial beauty that lacked emotional depth.

^{Context #2}

science

Relating to or situated on the surface of something.

Synonyms

external, outer, surface-level

Examples of usage

The superficial layer of the skin protects the body from external elements.
The superficial veins are located just beneath the skin.

^{Context #3}

informal

In a way that is not thorough, deep, or complete.

Synonyms

cursorily, lightly, superficially

Examples of usage

He only skimmed the book superficially before the exam.
She superficially glanced at the report without delving into the details.

Translations

Translations of the word "superficial" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superficial

🇮🇳 सतही

🇩🇪 oberflächlich

🇮🇩 dangkal

🇺🇦 поверхневий

🇵🇱 powierzchowny

🇯🇵 表面的な (ひょうめんてきな)

🇫🇷 superficiel

🇪🇸 superficial

🇹🇷 yüzeysel

🇰🇷 피상적인 (pisangjeogin)

🇸🇦 سطحي (sathiy)

🇨🇿 povrchní

🇸🇰 povrchný

🇨🇳 表面的 (biǎomiàn de)

🇸🇮 površen

🇮🇸 yfirborðskenndur

🇰🇿 үстірт

🇬🇪 ზედაპირული (zedap'iruli)

🇦🇿 səthi

🇲🇽 superficial

Word origin

The word 'superficial' originated from the Latin word 'superficialis', meaning 'of or relating to the surface'. It first appeared in English in the late 14th century. Over time, the word has maintained its core meaning of being on or near the surface, both literally and figuratively.