superficial
Translation
superficial, shallow, surface-level
Examples
He has only a superficial knowledge of the subject.
He has only a superficial knowledge of the subject.
The wound was only superficial and not serious.
The wound was only superficial and not serious.
Grammar Patterns
((a/an)) superficial ((noun)) on the surface, not deep He has a superficial knowledge of the subject.
((to be)) superficial not showing serious thought Their conversation was superficial.
Similar Words
Synonyms: shallow, cursory, skin-deep; Antonyms: deep, profound, thorough
Etymology
From Latin 'superficialis' (of the surface), from 'superficies' (surface), which is from 'super-' (above) + 'facies' (face). Literally 'on the face/surface'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'super' as 'on top' and 'ficial' like 'face'. It's only about what's on the surface or face of things.