perfunctorily
1
9.4
- adverb
- /pərˈfʌŋk.tər.ə.li/
:
de manera superficial
- He completed the task perfunctorily, just going through the motions without any enthusiasm.
- greeted them perfunctorily
- nodded perfunctorily
- smiled perfunctorily
Examples
-
Everyone rose in deference, but she perfunctorily waved them back into their seats.
Fiction book (1993) -
The nurse's station had been perfunctorily decorated, a plate of Christmas cookies set out on the counter.
Fiction book (1994) -
The kids nod perfunctorily to Zack and head off, running through the trees in their teams of two.
Fiction book (2000) -
"Oh yeah, yeah, whatever," you know perfunctorily, not really respectfully.
Academic text (2017) -
Jack gives him the bottle, pats his head perfunctorily, and then walks out of the room.
Fiction book (2000) -
Just be careful who you talk to, okay? "I will," Clara replied perfunctorily.
Fiction book (1996) -
To make clear this wasn't a social call, he gave his name perfunctorily, then cleared his throat.
Blog text (2) -
Charlie sighs, goes back to Wellman, and perfunctorily signs the form.
Fiction book (1998) -
The same inspector went through her bags perfunctorily, not even blinking at the mice in their sealed plastic cage.
Fiction book (2001) -
"We can work here," Roger said, yanking a stool out of the mess and dusting it perfunctorily with a large handkerchief.
Fiction book (1992)
Synonyms
4
5.2
In a calm way that shows no strong feeling or interest
3
7.7
Speak in a smooth way that does not seem honest
3
5.7
In a way that shows little energy or interest
1
7.7
Done only to meet rules and without real effect
1
7.7
Quickly and not carefully, so you miss details
1
9.5
In a lazy, careless way with little interest
1
8.4
Acts without thought or understanding
1
6.7
Slowly and without energy
In a way that shows no interest or concern
In a way that shows no interest or wish to know more
In a boring way that does not keep people's attention
Antonyms
How Interested
Surface Forms
Morphology
perfunctorily = perfunctory (transparent) = perfunctory + ly
The adverb is formed by straightforward suffixation of the adjective 'perfunctory' with '-ly', so the manner meaning is predictable from the adjective.
Etymology
Perfunctorily comes from Latin parts per- meaning 'through' and fungi meaning 'to do', and is the same root as function. So, to do something perfunctorily is to do it 'through' without care, as a quick duty or formality, which is why it shows little interest.