Added 9 October 2026
superficial
/ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/ adjective
In Latin: superficiālis Wiktionary
adjective Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about superficial at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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Concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually.
superficial similarities
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Of, affecting, or being on or near the surface.
superficial measurements
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Of little substance or significance.
a few superficial editorial changes
Origin
Borrowing from Late Latin superficiālis (“of or belonging to the surface”), from superficiēs (“top, surface”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)