ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›S›superficial
ISEE/SSATmedium
superficial
concerned only with what is on the surface, not deep or thorough
Synonyms
- shallow
- cursory
- skin-deep
Antonyms
- thorough
- profound
- deep
superficial in a sentence
His superficial understanding of the topic became obvious once we asked follow-up questions.
Though the wound looked alarming, the doctor explained it was only superficial and would heal within days without stitches.
Where it comes from
From Latin superficies 'surface'
Memory hook
SUPER (above) + FICIAL (surface) — superficial means only on the surface.
Word parts
- super/sur — over, beyond
superficial: super- (over) + faci (face, surface)
Read it in context
- The Meadow Notebook Nature
Practice superficial in the app