Hypertext Webster Gateway: "superficial"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Superficial \Su`per*fi"cial\, a. [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. --Shak.
He is a presumptuous and superficial writer.
--Burke.
That superficial judgment, which happens to be right
without deserving to be so. --J. H.
Newman.
-- {Su`per*fi"cial*ly}, adv. -- {Su`per*fi"cial*ness}, n.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
superficial
adj 1: being or affecting or concerned with a surface; not deep or
penetrating emotionally or intellectually;
"superficial similarities"; "a superficial mind"; "his
thinking was superficial and fuzzy"; "superficial
knowledge"; "the superficial report didn't give the
true picture"; "only superficial differences" [ant: {profound}]
2: relating to a surface; "superficial measurements"; "the
superficial area of the wall"
3: of little substance or significance; "a few superficial
editorial changes"; "only trivial objections" [syn: {trivial}]
4: involving a surface only; "her beauty is only skin-deep";
"superficial bruising"; "a surface wound" [syn: {skin-deep},
{surface(a)}]
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