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perfunctorycarried out with a minimum of effort or reflection; lacking enthusiasm or interest

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection; lacking enthusiasm or interest

Pronunciation (IPA): /pərˈfʌŋktəri/

Example Sentences

  • The waiter's perfunctory 'Have a nice day' sounded like a robot with low battery.
  • His perfunctory apology was about as sincere as a politician's campaign promise.
  • The teacher gave a perfunctory glance at the homework before stamping it.

perfunctory

ADJECTIVE

[/pərˈfʌŋktəri/]

carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection; lacking enthusiasm or interest

The waiter gave a perfunctory nod without even glancing at the customers.
💡 Concept

The waiter gave a perfunctory nod without even glancing at the customers.

Per plays funk with zero effort - perfunctory performance!
🧠 Mnemonic

Per plays funk with zero effort - perfunctory performance!

Checking the directory perfunctory, stamping papers contradictory
🎵 Rhyme

Checking the directory perfunctory, stamping papers contradictory

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/pərˈfʌŋktəri/
🇬🇧 UK/pəˈfʌŋktəri/

🌳Etymology

Prefixper--
Rootfunct
Suffix--ory

Origin

From Latin 'perfunctorius,' derived from 'perfunctus,' the past participle of 'perfungi' meaning 'to discharge' or 'to get through.' The word combines 'per-' (through) and 'fungi' (to perform or discharge).

Breakdown

per- (through) + funct (perform/discharge) + -ory (adjective suffix indicating tendency or relation) = perfunctory

🎵Rhyme

directorycontradictoryintroductory
directory
contradictory
introductory

🔗Collocations

perfunctory manner
perfunctory greeting
perfunctory inspection
perfunctory kiss
perfunctory smile
perfunctory applause
perfunctory response

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The waiter's perfunctory 'Have a nice day' sounded like a robot with low battery.

😄 Fun example

His perfunctory apology was about as sincere as a politician's campaign promise.

The teacher gave a perfunctory glance at the homework before stamping it.

😄 Fun example

Her perfunctory hug felt like being embraced by a mannequin.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

superficialcursorymechanicalhalfheartedroutine

Antonyms

thoroughenthusiasticsincere

Related

functionfunctionaldysfunctionceremonial

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