Definitions for superficial
ˌsu pərˈfɪʃ əlsu·per·fi·cial

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:4.5 / 2 votes

1. superficialadjective

   concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; 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"

2. superficialadjective

   of, affecting, or being on or near the surface

   "superficial measurements"; "the superficial area of the wall"; "a superficial wound"

3. superficial, trivialadjective

   of little substance or significance

   "a few superficial editorial changes"; "only trivial objections"

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. superficialnoun

   A surface detail.

   He always concentrates on the superficials and fails to see the real issue.

2. superficialadjective

   Shallow, lacking substance.

3. superficialadjective

   At face value.

4. superficialadjective

   Of or pertaining to the surface.

5. superficialadjective

   Being near the surface.

6. superficialadjective

   Two-dimensional; drawn on a flat surface.

Samuel Johnson's DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. SUPERFICIALadjective

   Etymology: superficiel, Fr. from superficies, Latin.

   1. Lying on the surface; not reaching below the surface.

   That, upon the superficial ground, heat and moisture cause putrefaction, in England is found not true. Francis Bacon.

   From these phænomena several have concluded some general rupture in the superficial parts of the earth. Burnet.

   There is not one infidel living so ridiculous as to pretend to solve the phænomena of sight, or cogitation, by those fleeting superficial films of bodies. Richard Bentley.

   2. Shallow; contrived to cover something.

   This superficial tale
   Is but a preface to her worthy praise. William Shakespeare, Henry VI.

   3. Shallow; not profound; smattering, not learned.

   That knowledge is so very superficial, and so ill-grounded, that it is impossible for them to describe in what consists the beauty of those works. Dryden.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:2.0 / 1 vote

1. Superficialadjective

   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. Superficialadjective

   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

3. Etymology: [L. superficialis: cf. F. superficiel. See Superficies.]

How to pronounce superficial?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say superficial in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of superficial in Chaldean Numerology is: 5

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of superficial in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of superficial in a Sentence

1. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso:

   Rather than being swayed just by superficial market moves, I believe it's important to ascertain China's structural issues behind them, i think it's beneficial to hold a frank debate at G20 on what is happening in Chinese economy.

2. Wai Wah Chin:

   They are against racial discrimination, but pernicious division and discrimination by race have been ongoing for a long time in admissions, so there is wrongful resistance to a change back to privileging individual merit. Those who see everything through the lens of color, want a superficial skin color result, or benefit from that, should join us in opposing discriminating by race.

3. Dennis Collard:

   We see what they've done as completely superficial.

4. Auguste Rodin:

   If the artist only reproduces superficial features as photography does, if he copies the lineaments of a face exactly, without reference to character, he deserves no admiration. The resemblance which he ought to obtain is that of the soul.

5. The Weeknd:

   The significance of the entire head bandages is reflecting on the absurd culture of Hollywood celebrity and people manipulating themselves for superficial reasons to please and be validated, it's all a progression and we watch the character's storyline hit heightened levels of danger and absurdity as his tale goes on.

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