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superficialexisting or occurring at or on the surface; appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: existing or occurring at or on the surface; appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/

Example Sentences

  • Don't judge people by their superficial appearance - some of the most interesting people look like they haven't slept in weeks!
  • His superficial knowledge of cooking was exposed when he tried to boil water and somehow managed to burn it.
  • The superficial similarities between the twins end when you realize one loves math and the other thinks algebra is a country.

superficial

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/]

existing or occurring at or on the surface; appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely

Beautiful on the outside, but empty inside — superficial
💡 Concept

Beautiful on the outside, but empty inside — superficial

Removing the artificial reveals what's truly beneficial!
🎵 Rhyme

Removing the artificial reveals what's truly beneficial!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/

🌳Etymology

Prefixsuper--
Rootfici
Suffix--al

Origin

From Latin 'superficialis', derived from 'superficies' meaning 'surface' (from 'super' meaning 'over' and 'facies' meaning 'face' or 'surface'). The word entered English in the 14th century via Old French.

Breakdown

super- (over, above) + fici- (from facies, meaning face/surface) + -al (adjective suffix) = superficial

🎵Rhyme

artificialbeneficialcommercial
artificial
beneficial
commercial

🔗Collocations

superficial knowledge
superficial wound
superficial analysis
superficial resemblance
superficial charm
superficial understanding

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

Don't judge people by their superficial appearance - some of the most interesting people look like they haven't slept in weeks!

😄 Fun example

His superficial knowledge of cooking was exposed when he tried to boil water and somehow managed to burn it.

😄 Fun example

The superficial similarities between the twins end when you realize one loves math and the other thinks algebra is a country.

The doctor said it was just a superficial cut and would heal quickly.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

shallowsurface-levelcursoryskin-deeptrivial

Antonyms

deepthoroughprofound

Related

surfaceexternalapparentsuperficiality

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