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superficial

20 5.3
Near the surface and not deep, like a small cut
  • adjective
  • /ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/
: superficial
  • The doctor assured me that the cut was superficial and would heal quickly.
  • superficial infection
  • superficial layer
  • superficial skin burn

They're actually just really superficial tiny cysts.

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Examples

  • Responses at this level also seemed perception-bound; they were based on simple, superficial, physical explanations.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Operational systems indicate that the damage is widespread but superficial.

  • All the superficial signs are there.

  • The wound itself is superficial.

  • Superficial lacerations, multiple to the face.

  • Indeed, a bachelor's degree in biology may require only a superficial understanding of evolution.

    Academic text (1997)
  • Type I infections are generally superficial in nature, with the possibility of progressing to type II infections.

    Academic text (2015)
  • All these muscles are superficial and are involved in nasal valve movements.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The lacerations are superficial.

  • Epidermal burns are superficial partial-thickness burns which usually heal within a week.

    Academic text (2012)

Synonyms

skin-deep
vssuperficial
5 4.7

Only on the surface and not deep inside

is the neutral adjective with identical meaning but different wording

Antonyms

∞ 2.0

Important and needing careful thought because it can have large effects

∞ 1.0

Far down from the surface or top

Compounds

A large vein along the Sylvian fissure on the side of the brain that drains into the cavernous sinus

7.5

A vein on the side of the head above the ear that drains blood from the scalp

7.7

A small vein that carries blood from the lower belly into a large thigh vein

How Deep

profound
10 6.2
moderate
415 3.3
superficial
20 5.3
shallow
155 1.6

Surface Forms

superficial positive
superficialer comparative
superficialest superlative

Morphology

superficial = surface (transparent) = surface + ial

The meaning relates clearly to 'surface', but the form comes through Latin (superficialis) rather than a direct English formation 'surface' + '-ial', so the morphological link may not be obvious to all learners.

Etymology

Superficial comes from the Latin parts super- 'above' and facies 'face' or 'surface', and is like the English word face. So a superficial cut or mark is only on the surface and not deep.