superficial definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

Thesaurus

Translations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

See pronunciation key

Search for "superfic..." in all of MSN Encarta

E-mail this entry

Blog about this entry on MSN Spaces

Download the MSN Encarta Right-Click Dictionary

superficial

su·per·fi·cial [ spər físh'l ]

adjective

Definition:

1. not profound: concerned with or understanding only the obvious

a superficial knowledge of the subject

2. relating to surface: relating to, affecting, or located on or near the surface of something

a superficial wound

3. without depth of character: shallow in character or attitude

I find her quite superficial.

4. cursory: swift and not thorough

after a superficial examination of the injury

5. only apparently so: only seeming to be real or the case

The picture bears a superficial resemblance, nothing more.

6. insignificant: having little significance or substance

superficial changes to the policy

[14th century. < Latin superficies< super "over, above" + facies "appearance, form, face"]

su·per·fi·ci·al·i·ty [ spər fishee állətee ] noun

su·per·fi·cial·ly [ spər físh'lee ] adverb

Also on Encarta

•	Important Notice: MSN Encarta to be discontinued. Learn more.

•	10 tips for building your English vocabulary

•	Alternatives to the M.B.A.

•	GPS for students

•	Making the right college choice

•	Presidential Myths Quiz

•

Coffee break: Recharge your brain

Our Partners

•	ApplyWise Online College Admissions Counseling

•	The Princeton Review

•

Tutor.com: Live Help When You Get Stuck

Also on MSN

•	Peek into the world of parasites on Animal Planet

•	Mom's Homeroom: Learn ways to help your kid succeed in school

•	MSN Shopping: Best books for the season

•	MSN Careers: Nail that job interview

•

Today's news on MSNBC


Shopping