C1adjectiveacademic
US/ˌsuː.pərˈfɪʃ.əl/
UK/ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl/
dealing only with the obvious parts of something, without deep thought or study
In context
The essay offers only a superficial analysis of a very complex issue.
Despite superficial similarities, the two education systems work in very different ways.
Cramming before exams often produces only a superficial understanding of the subject.
Words that go with superficial
adjective + noun
- superficial analysisA superficial analysis of the data misses the main trend.
- superficial understandingMemorizing formulas gives only a superficial understanding of physics.
- superficial similarityThere is a superficial similarity between the two theories.
- superficial levelAt a superficial level, the policy looks generous.
- superficial knowledgeHe has only a superficial knowledge of the region's history.
adverb + adjective
- purely superficialThe changes to the course were purely superficial.