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Superficiality: meaning, definitions and examples

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superficiality

 

[ ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃiˌælɪti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

surface level

Superficiality refers to the quality of being superficial, which means existing or occurring at or on the surface. It often describes a lack of depth or seriousness in a person's thoughts, feelings, or actions. Superficiality can be seen in behaviors that prioritize appearances over genuine substance or understanding.

Synonyms

frivolity, insincerity, shallowness, surface-level.

Examples of usage

  • His superficiality made it hard to form a deeper connection.
  • The superficiality of the conversation left me unsatisfied.
  • She criticized the superficiality of social media interactions.
  • Superficiality can lead to misunderstandings in relationships.

Translations

Translations of the word "superficiality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superficialidade

🇮🇳 सपष्टता

🇩🇪 Oberflächlichkeit

🇮🇩 permukaan

🇺🇦 поверховість

🇵🇱 powierzchowność

🇯🇵 表面的性質

🇫🇷 superficialité

🇪🇸 superficialidad

🇹🇷 yüzeysellik

🇰🇷 피상성

🇸🇦 سطحية

🇨🇿 povrchnost

🇸🇰 povrchnosť

🇨🇳 肤浅

🇸🇮 površnost

🇮🇸 yfirlitsk

🇰🇿 беттілік

🇬🇪 მოზრდილობა

🇦🇿 səthi

🇲🇽 superficialidad

Etymology

The word 'superficiality' originates from the Latin word 'superficialis', which translates to 'of the surface'. This Latin term is derived from 'superficies', meaning 'surface' or 'appearance'. The prefix 'super-' means 'above' or 'over', while 'facies' denotes 'face' or 'form'. The concept of superficiality emerged in the late 16th century in English, highlighting a growing awareness of the divide between surface appearances and deeper truths. Over time, it has been used in various contexts, including psychology, sociology, and everyday conversation, to describe behaviors, attitudes, or judgments that lack depth or sincerity. Its usage has broadened in the modern era, often critiquing social trends that emphasize image over substance, especially in contexts like social media and consumer culture.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,834, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.