C1adverbacademicsociety
US/ˌsuː.pərˈfɪʃ.əl.i/
UK/ˌsuː.pəˈfɪʃ.əl.i/
in a way that looks only at the surface, not the deeper or real situation
In context
The two designs look superficially similar, but they work very differently.
He treated the problem superficially and missed the real cause.
Superficially, the plan seems sensible, but it has serious flaws.
Words that go with superficially
adverb + adjective
- superficially similarThe cases are superficially similar.
- superficially attractiveThe offer is superficially attractive but risky.
- superficially simpleThe task is only superficially simple.
- superficially differentThe two theories are only superficially different.
adverb + verb
- superficially resembleThe two plants superficially resemble each other.
verb + adverb
- treat superficiallyTeachers cannot treat such topics superficially.