superficially
UK: ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəli | US: ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəli
adv. in a way that is shallow or concerned only with surface aspects
adv. seemingly or outwardly (without deeper substance)
superficially = super<above> + fici<face> + ally<adverb suffix>
- super (Latin super): "above, over"
- fici (Latin facies): "face, surface"
- ally (Latin -alis + English -ly): adverb-forming suffix
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin superficialis (surface-level), combining super (above) and facies (face). The word originally described physical surfaces but evolved metaphorically to imply lack of depth. The adverb form emerged in Middle English via Old French superficiel.
She smiled superficially, hiding her true feelings.
The article covered the topic superficially, ignoring key details.
He cleaned the room superficially, leaving dust in the corners.
Their friendship was superficially polite but lacked genuine connection.
The repair was done superficially and failed within weeks.