superficial

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually
  2. adjective of, affecting, or being on or near the surface
  3. adjective of little substance or significance

Etymology

Borrowing from Late Latin superficiālis (“of or belonging to the surface”), from superficiēs (“top, surface”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix).

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