superficial

Từ điển Oxford Advanced Learner 8th

super·fi·cial BrE [ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃl] BrE [ˌsjuːpəˈfɪʃl] NAmE [ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃl] adjective
1. (often disapproving)not studying or looking at sth thoroughly; seeing only what is obvious
•a superficial analysis
•The book shows only a superficial understanding of the historical context.
2. appearing to be true, real or important until you look at it more carefully
•superficial differences/similarities
•When you first meet her, she gives a superficial impression of warmth and friendliness.
3. (of a wound or damage)only affecting the surface and therefore not serious
•a superficial injury
•superficial burns
4. (disapproving)not concerned with anything serious or important and lacking any depth of understanding or feeling
Syn: ↑shallow
•a superficial friendship
•The guests engaged in superficial chatter.
•She's so superficial!
5. (technical)of or on the surface of sth
•superficial veins
•a superficial deposit of acidic soils
Derived Words: ↑superficiality ▪ ↑superficially

Word Origin:
late Middle English: from late Latin superficialis, from Latin superficies, from super- ‘above’ + facies ‘face’.

Example Bank:
•The movie bears a fairly superficial resemblance to the original novel.
•Superficial similarities can be deceptive.