Advanced and Proficiency Vocabulary for Exams(e.g.GRE, Banks, Civil Services, SAT / LSAT). For IELTS/TOEFL, and everyday spoken vocabulary, go to our Spoken Vocabulary Database.
superficial | superficially | superficiality
something only on a surface level
- How to Memorize
- superficial - shallow
- Analysis
The word ‘superficial’ expresses something on a surface level only, both literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, it describes something, such as a wound, that only affects the surface of the skin. Figuratively, it relates to something that is shallow and without deeper meaning.
- Example(s)
I don’t think James will need stitches for that. It just looks like a superficial wound.
Superficially at least, staff seem happy with the new policy, but deep down I think they have their reservations.
Major corporations have been accused of superficiality in their statements, with critics claiming they only made them in the interest of increasing profits.
