superficial
Translation
superficial, shallow, surface
Examples
He only has a superficial knowledge of the topic.
He only has a superficial knowledge of the topic.
The wound was only superficial.
The wound was only superficial.
Grammar Patterns
((superficial)) + noun on the surface only It was a superficial analysis.
be + ((superficial)) to be on the surface only Their conversation was superficial.
Similar Words
Synonyms: shallow, skin-deep, cursory; Antonyms: deep, profound, thorough
Etymology
From Latin 'superficialis', from 'superficies' meaning 'surface'. 'super-' (on, above) + 'facies' (face, form). Literally 'on the face' or 'on the surface'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'super' as 'on top' and 'ficial' like 'face' – so it's only on the surface, not deep.