superficial

Adjective
Synonyms: trivial

WordNet 3.0

Adjective (3)

  1. concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually“superficial similarities”“a superficial mind”“his thinking was superficial and fuzzy”“superficial knowledge”“the superficial report didn't give the true picture”“only superficial differences”
  2. of, affecting, or being on or near the surface“superficial measurements”“the superficial area of the wall”“a superficial wound”
  3. of little substance or significance“a few superficial editorial changes”“only trivial objections”Synonyms: trivial
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Superficial \Su`per*fi"cial\, a. [L. superficialis: cf. F. superficiel. See Superficies.]

1.Of or pertaining to the superficies, or surface; lying on the surface; shallow; not deep; as, a superficial color; a superficial covering; superficial measure or contents; superficial tillage. [1913 Webster]

2.Reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; not deep or profound; shallow; -- said especially in respect to study, learning, and the like; as, a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge. [1913 Webster]

This superficial tale Is but a preface of her worthy praise.— Shak.[1913 Webster]
He is a presumptuous and superficial writer.— Burke.[1913 Webster]
That superficial judgment, which happens to be right without deserving to be so. --J. H. Newman. [1913 Webster] -- Su`per*fi"cial*ly, adv. -- Su`per*fi"cial*ness, n. [1913 Webster]
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