superficial definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

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