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superficial

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/ · UK /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/

superficial means: Done without examining something carefully or in enough detail.

adjective

NOT THOROUGHB2

Done without examining something carefully or in enough detail.

  • His knowledge of history is superficial.
  • A superficial check missed the problem.
  • The report offers only a superficial analysis of the results.

Similar words: shallow, cursory

Opposites: thorough

Common phrases: superficial knowledge, superficial analysis, superficial examination

ON SURFACEB2

On the outside of something, without reaching far inside.

  • The table has only superficial scratches.
  • The fire caused superficial damage to the wall.
  • These superficial cracks do not weaken the structure.

Similar words: surface, shallow

Opposites: deep

Common phrases: superficial damage, superficial scratches, superficial layer

SHALLOW CHARACTERC1

Caring only about appearances or easy ideas, without deep feelings or understanding.

  • She thought he was superficial.
  • His superficial charm soon wore off.
  • Their conversations were superficial and rarely touched on personal feelings.

Similar words: shallow

Opposites: deep

Common phrases: superficial person, superficial concerns, superficial charm

NEAR SKINC1

On the skin or just below it.

  • The cut was superficial.
  • A superficial vein is visible under the skin.
  • The scan showed damage to the superficial muscles.

Similar words: shallow

Opposites: deep

Common phrases: superficial wound, superficial vein, superficial muscles

noun

SURFACE DETAILC2

A small feature of how something looks, rather than an important part of it.

  • He cared only about the superficials.
  • Ignore the superficials and examine the argument.
  • The design differs in superficials, but its purpose is the same.

Similar words: surface detail

Common phrases: mere superficials, focus on superficials

Questions about superficial

What does superficial mean?

Done without examining something carefully or in enough detail.

What is superficial in other languages?

Türkçe: yüzeysel · Español: superficial · Français: superficiel · Deutsch: oberflächlich · Italiano: superficiale · 日本語: 浅い

How do you pronounce superficial?

In American English /ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/; in British English /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/.

How do you use superficial in a sentence?

His knowledge of history is superficial. A superficial check missed the problem.

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superficial in other languages

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