SUPERFICIALLY Meaning and
Definition
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Superficially is an adverb that describes something done or seen in a surface-level or shallow manner, without delving deeper into its details, complexities, or underlying significance. It indicates an absence of thoroughness, depth, or true understanding.
When applied to a person's actions or behavior, superficially suggests that they may only consider or address the outward appearance or obvious aspects of a situation, giving little attention to deeper implications or intricate aspects. It implies a lack of profundity, scrutiny, or critical thinking. For example, someone who superficially listens to a conversation may only focus on the spoken words without attempting to understand the underlying emotions or concerns.
In describing a physical characteristic or appearance, something that is superficially observed is only seen on the surface, without accounting for any underlying causes or conditions. It denotes a limited or cursory inspection that does not reveal the complete truth or essence of the subject. For instance, a superficial analysis of an organism's anatomy may only examine its external features, disregarding the internal structures and functions.
The term can also refer to an inadequate or shallow understanding of a subject, topic, or problem. Superficially grasping these subjects suggests a lack of thorough study or knowledge, whereby only the most elementary or obvious aspects are understood, while deeper complexities are overlooked.
Overall, the adverb superficially describes actions, appearances, or understanding that are characterized by external or surface-level examination, neglecting the intricate details or profound implications that might lie beneath.
Top Common Misspellings for SUPERFICIALLY *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SUPERFICIALLY
Etymology of SUPERFICIALLY
The word "superficially" is derived from the Latin word "superficialis", which comes from the combination of two Latin words: "super" meaning "above" or "upon" and "facies" meaning "face" or "surface". Therefore, "superficialis" roughly translates to "on the surface" or "pertaining to the surface". Over time, the word "superficialis" evolved into "superficial" in the English language, and the adverb form "superficially" was formed by adding the suffix "-ly" to the adjective.
Similar spelling words for SUPERFICIALLY
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