Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Perfunctory

Per-func′to-ry

(pẽr-fŭṉk′tō̍-ry̆)
,
Adj.
[L.
perfunctorius
, fr.
perfunctus
dispatched, p. p. of
perfungi
to discharge, dispatch;
per
(see
Per
) +
fungi
to perform. See
Function
.]
1.
Done merely to get rid of a duty; performed mechanically and as a thing of rote; done in a careless and superficial manner; characterized by indifference;
as,
perfunctory
admonitions; a
perfunctory
greeting
.
Macaulay.
2.
Hence: Mechanical; indifferent; listless; careless.
“Perfunctory in his devotions.”
Sharp.

Webster 1828 Edition

Perfunctory

PERFUNC'TORY

,
Adj.
[supra.] Slight; careless; negligent.
1.
Done only for the sake of getting rid of the duty.

Similar Results