First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
superficial
adjective su·per·fi·cial \ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-shəl\
: concerned only with what is obvious or apparent : not thorough or complete
: affecting only the outer part or surface of something : not deep or serious
: lying close to the surface
Full Definition of SUPERFICIAL
1
a (1) : of, relating to, or located near a surface (2) : lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface <superficial wounds> b British of a unit of measure : square <superficial foot>
2
a : concerned only with the obvious or apparent : shallow b : seen on the surface : external c : presenting only an appearance without substance or significance
— su·per·fi·cial·ly \-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
See superficial defined for English-language learners
See superficial defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Examples of SUPERFICIAL
- Wonderbra model Eva Herzigova sued a Canadian underwear company that refused to pay her $30,000 fee because she showed up for the photo shoot with a short haircut that company didn't like. You know, it's shameful in this day and age how superficial and sexist some of these ad execs are. —Lewis Grossberger, Mediaweek, 14 Apr. 2003
- Angelina Jolie goes blond and bubbly and hell hasn't even started freezing over. The brooding brunette donned a Monroe-esque platinum coif for her most recent film, “Life or Something Like It.” She plays a superficial reporter who learns what's most important in life—which is, apparently, getting it on with Edward Burns. —Katerine Stroup et al., Newsweek, 23 July 2001
- All this discussion of money may seem a vulgar recital of greed. But that is really just a superficial, simplistic criticism and usually a dishonest one. —Garth Clark, Ceramics Monthly, October 2001
- [+]more
Origin of SUPERFICIAL
Middle English, from Late Latin superficialis, from Latin superficies (see superficies)
Synonym Discussion of SUPERFICIAL
superficial, shallow, cursory mean lacking in depth or solidity. superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features <a superficial analysis of the problem>. shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character <a light, shallow, and frivolous review>. cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details <gave the letter only a cursory reading>.
Rhymes with SUPERFICIAL
SUPERFICIALLY Defined for Kids
superficial
adjective su·per·fi·cial \ˌsü-pər-ˈfi-shəl\
Definition of SUPERFICIAL for Kids
1
: of or relating to the surface or appearance only <a superficial cut>
2
: not thorough or complete <He has only superficial knowledge of the subject.>
— su·per·fi·cial·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
superficial
adjective su·per·fi·cial \ˌsü-pər-ˈfish-əl\
Medical Definition of SUPERFICIAL
1
: of, relating to, or located near the surface <superficial blood vessels>
2
: lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface <superficial wounds>
—su·per·fi·cial·ly \-ē\ adverb
Learn More About SUPERFICIAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: superficial blastulaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: superficeAll Words Near: superficial
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up superficial? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).