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Webster 1913 Edition

Superficial

Suˊper-fi′cial

,
Adj.
[L.
superficialis
: cf. F.
superficiel
. See
Superficies
.]
1.
Of or pertaining to the superficies, or surface; lying on the surface; shallow; not deep;
as, a
superficial
color; a
superficial
covering;
superficial
measure or contents;
superficial
tillage
.
2.
Reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; not deep or profound; shallow; – said especially in respect to study, learning, and the like;
as, a
superficial
scholar;
superficial
knowledge
.
This
superficial
tale
Is but a preface of her worthy praise.
Shakespeare
He is a presumptuous and
superficial
writer.
Burke.
That
superficial
judgment, which happens to be right without deserving to be so.
J. H. Newman.
–
Suˊper-fi′cial-ly
,
adv.
–
Suˊper-fi′cial-ness
,
Noun.

Webster 1828 Edition

Superficial

SUPERFI'CIAL

, a.
1.
Being on the surface; not penetrating the substance of a thing; as a superficial color; a superficial covering.
2.
Composing the surface or exterior part; as, soil constitutes the superficial part of the earth.
3.
Shallow; contrived to cover something.
This superficial tale
Is but a preface to her worthy praise.
4.
Shallow; not deep or profound; reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; as a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge.

Definition 2024

superficial

superficial

English

Adjective

superficial ‎(comparative more superficial, superlative most superficial)

  1. Shallow, lacking substance.
  2. At face value.
    • 1992, Rudolf M. Schuster, The Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of North America: East of the Hundredth Meridian, volume V, page vii
      Secondly, I continue to base my concepts on intensive study of a limited suite of collections, rather than superficial study of every packet that comes to hand.
  3. Of or pertaining to the surface.
  4. Being near the surface.
  5. (rare) Two-dimensional; drawn on a flat surface.

Synonyms

  • (of or pertaining to the surface): surficial

Antonyms

Translations

Noun

superficial ‎(plural superficials)

  1. (chiefly in plural) A surface detail.
    He always concentrates on the superficials and fails to see the real issue.

Related terms

Catalan

Adjective

superficial m, f ‎(masculine and feminine plural superficials)

  1. superficial

Related terms

Galician

Adjective

superficial m, f (plural superficiais)

  1. superficial
  2. surficial; of the surface

Portuguese

Adjective

superficial

  1. Shallow, lacking substance.

Spanish

Adjective

superficial m, f ‎(plural superficiales)

  1. surficial
  2. shallow, lacking substance.

Related terms

Etymology

From Latin superficiālis.

Pronunciation

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