superficial
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for superficial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Existing only on the surface, not deep or serious.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use superficial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Late Latin superficialis, "of or relating to the surface", from superficies, "surface".
Full origin of superficial →Frequently asked questions
What does “superficial” mean?
The word “superficial” means existing only on the surface, not deep or serious. In plain terms, surface-level only — either physically shallow (like a wound) or lacking real depth (like a person or an analysis).
How do you pronounce “superficial”?
“Superficial” is pronounced soo-puh-FIH-shuhl (/ˌsupɚˈfɪʃəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “superficial” in a sentence?
Here is “superficial” used in a sentence: “Luckily, the cut was only superficial.”
What part of speech is “superficial”?
“Superficial” is an adjective.
Where does the word “superficial” come from?
The word “superficial” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin superficialis, "of or relating to the surface", from superficies, "surface".
Is “superficial” a common word?
“Superficial” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “superficial” have?
“Superficial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: existing only on the surface, not deep or serious.
What is the difference between "superficial" and "shallow"?
The two are close in meaning, but "superficial" more often describes wounds, damage, or analysis existing only on the surface, while "shallow" more commonly describes a person's character or thinking. A "superficial wound" is minor and surface-level, while a "shallow person" lacks genuine depth of feeling.
Is "superficial" an insult when describing a person?
Yes, when applied to a person, "superficial" is critical, suggesting they are concerned only with appearances and lack genuine depth of character or feeling.
What does "superficial" mean when describing an injury?
A superficial injury exists only on the surface of the skin, such as a minor cut or scrape, without damaging the tissue underneath.