superficial
/ˌs(j)uːpəˈfɪʃəl/
Group 13Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep GRE
Example in Context
The audit proved superficial, failing to detect the accounting irregularities that a more rigorous examination would have uncovered.
Synonyms
shallowsurface-levelcursory
Etymology
Referring to something that exists only on the surface.
- super- (Latin) — above
- facies (Latin) — face
Memory Aid
🐟Sounds like “super fish”
A SUPER FISH with a flashy exterior but no depth — it just swims in circles!
Visual Association
💅A glossy magazine cover featuring a surface-level beauty that lacks any deeper story.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “superficial” mean on the GRE?
superficial (adjective) means “Existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep”. The audit proved superficial, failing to detect the accounting irregularities that a more rigorous examination would have uncovered.
How to remember “superficial” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “superficial” sounds like “super fish”. A SUPER FISH with a flashy exterior but no depth — it just swims in circles!
What are synonyms for “superficial”?
Common synonyms: shallow, surface-level, cursory.