superficialadj.n.
/ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃl/, /ˌsjuːpəˈfɪʃl/, U.S. /ˌsupərˈfɪʃəl/ A. adj.
1.
a. Mathematics. Of a number: having two and only two prime factors (and therefore capable of being represented by a rectangle whose sides represent the factors). Cf. plain number n. at plain adj.2 Compounds 3, plane number n. at plane adj. Compounds 1. Now historical.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [adjective] > produced in a certain way > produced by factors > of specific kinds
superficiala1398
evenly odd1570
oddly odd1570
plano-solida1679
a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add. 27944) (1975) II. xix. cxxvi. 1364 Þe numbre superficial is ywrite nought oonliche in lengþe but also in brede, and is conteyned in lengþe and in brede.
c1450 Art Nombryng in R. Steele Earliest Arithm. in Eng. (1922) 46 Nombre superficial is þat comethe of ledynge of oo nombre into a-nother, wherfor it is callede superficial, for it hathe 2 nombres notyng or mesurynge hym.
1570 H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. ii. f. 62v The superficiall number which is produced of the multiplication of the number C into the number AB is equall to the superficiall numbers which are produced of the multiplication of the number C into the number AD, and of C into DE.
1704 J. Harris Lexicon Technicum I Superficial Numbers; the same with Plain Numbers.
1839 G. Field Outl. Analogic. Philos. I. 293 Which three are the first and simplest plane figures, corresponding to the three first superficial numbers.
1928 F. Cajori Hist. Math. Notations I. 102 It may be a secondary or superficial number, such as 122. 132. 192., etc. This nomenclature resembles that of the Byzantine monk Psellus of the eleventh century.
2006 G. Rosińska tr. J. Glogoviensis in M. Feingold & V. Navarro-Brotons Universities & Sci. Early Mod. Period 22 Line-number..is different from a superficial-number.
b. Of or relating to area; consisting of or measured in two dimensions; esp. relating to surface extent or area. Cf. square adj. 1c.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of area > [adjective]
superficialc1450
superficiary1636
super1768
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > [adjective] > of two dimensions > relating to or involving two dimensions
superficialc1450
areal1676
surface1676
super1768
c1450 Art Nombryng in R. Steele Earliest Arithm. in Eng. (1922) 46 A superficialle thynge [L. superficies] hathe 2 dimensions, þat is to sey, lengthe and brede.
?1556 L. Digges Tectonicon sig. Cij To fynde the content superficiall, of Steples, Columnes, Globes, and theyr partes.
?a1560 L. Digges Geom. Pract.: Pantometria (1571) ii. i. sig. Liv Multiplie one of the equall sides in it selfe, the halfe of the producte is the Area or superficiall contente.
1601 T. Smith Arte of Gunnerie 17 Deuide the square of the circumference of any bullet by 22/7 your quotient numbers will shew you the superficiall measure of the same.
1656 tr. T. Hobbes Elements Philos. ii. xiv. 135 An Angle is of two sorts; for first it may be made by the concurrence of Lines, and then it is a Superficiall Angle; or by the concurrence of Superficies, and then it is called a Solid Angle.
1704 Dict. Rusticum Superficial, or Square-Measure..in a square Mile 640, square Acres [etc.].
1747 W. Hooson Miners Dict. sig. Qijb Quartercord [is] a Measure used in laying out of Flats, 'tis a superficial Measure, and one fourth part of a Mear; it is a Square, each side being seven Yards and one Quarter long.
1824 Act 5 George IV c. 74 §1 All other Measures of Extension whatsoever, whether the same be lineal, superficial or solid.
1831 D. Brewster Treat. Optics xli. 336 The superficial magnifying power is the number of times that it [sc. an object] is magnified in surface.
1880 A. Geikie Elem. Lessons Physical Geogr. (new ed.) iv. 172 [Europe] has six times more coast-line in proportion to its superficial extent than Africa has.
1920 Times 10 Jan. 7/1 No grant will be made in respect of any house which has more than four bedrooms or a superficial floor area in excess of 1,400 feet.
1990 R. E. Zupko Revol. Measurem. vii. 217 The perch, rod, and pole became strictly superficial measures to accommodate an insufficient number of linear measures.
c. Chiefly Building. Denoting a unit of measurement equal to the area of a square whose side is of the unit specified, as superficial foot, superficial yard, etc. Frequently as postmodifier. Cf. square adj. 1b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of area > [noun] > a square unit of measurement
superficial foot1597
superficial yard1597
square measure1728
1597 J. Skene De Verborum Significatione at Particata Ane superficiall fall of lande, is sa meikle boundis of landes, as squairly conteinis ane lineall fall of bredth, and ane lineall fall of length.
1598 R. Barret Theorike & Pract. Mod. Warres v. 155 Vnto euery man at Armes, we will allow 8 lodgings, and vnto euery roome or lodging,..we will giue 50 superficiall foote of ground.
1670 J. Brown Coll. of Centers 15 As 9 to the length in feet, 10 is the bredth to the superficial Yards. Again, As 3 foot the depth of one Yard, to the content in superficial Yards, so is the depth 11 feet, to the content in solid Yards.
1684 C. Wren in Wren Soc. (1936) 13 188 Ffor working & Setting 125 foot of great Bacement..at 15d p foot Superficiall.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) II. 96 If a Board hold 2 Foot and 3 Inches in breadth, 5 Inches and 3 tenth parts of an Inch in length will make a square superficial Foot of Plank.
1768 J. Leadbeater Gentleman & Tradesman's Compl. Assistant i. vi. 49 Portland stone, streight, plain-work, per foot superficial.
1825 ‘J. Nicholson’ Operative Mechanic 628 All faced work in slate skirting..is charged by the foot superficial.
1833 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Cottage Archit. §987 A proper bond stone to be laid through the full thickness of the wall every superficial yard.
1892 Middlesex Courier 5 Aug. 4/5 The Willesden Local Board are prepared to receive tenders for providing and laying 6.280 yards superficial, or thereabouts, of Wood paving in Edgware Road.
1967 Times 24 Oct. 9/5 The rent was limited to a maximum of 3d. per superficial foot.
2. Of a quality, condition, action, or practice: of little importance or consequence; insubstantial, trivial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [adjective] > insubstantial
thin?c1225
lighta1413
superficiala1425
sleevelessc1450
frivolous1549
frothy1593
windy1593
shallow1594
airy1600
ghostlessa1603
sleazy1648
tenuious1656
wishy-washy1693
gauzy1774
lathery1803
wish-washy1814
tenuousa1817
toy1821
flimsy1827
airy-fairy1857
facile1857
feeblish1882
popcorn1973
a1425 ( H. Daniel Liber Uricrisiarum (Wellcome 225) 380 (MED) Þat colour is a thynge þat is bad schadwal & superficiall & a thynge þat now is & now not is, for it fadys & vanesshys & passys awey at every alteracion & changynge of þe body.
a1599 R. Rollock Lect. Epist. Paul to Colossians (1603) xvi. 165 The garment wherewith thou art clad by nature, and which must be shaken off of thee, if thou wouldest be saued, it is no superficiall thing.
1619 P. Hannay Happy Husband sig. B3v Their wake mind..is inclind To superficiall things, and can imbrace, But outward Habits for internall Grace.
1663 Marquis of Worcester Cent. Names & Scantlings Inventions Ded. p. iv I made it but for the superficial satisfaction of a friends curiosity.
1750 S. Johnson Rambler No. 72. ⁋11 The ornament of superficial attractions.
a1807 W. Wordsworth Prelude (1959) iii. 82 Empty noise And superficial pastimes.
a1852 D. Webster Wks. (1877) IV. 416 A change superficial and apparent only, not deep and real.
1867 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest I. ii. 19 It would seem that the Roman occupation of Britain was, after all, very superficial.
1950 D. Thomas Let. 12 Jan. (1987) 743 Forgive, if you can, the agitation of my letters, which is caused only by the superficial worries of mouth-to-mouth living.
2009 N.Y. Times (National ed.) 10 Mar. b11/4 Fashion may be frivolous and superficial and often cruel.
3. † d. Drawn upon a flat surface; represented two-dimensionally. Obsolete. rare.
a. Of or relating to the surface; located at or on the surface; constituting the surface or outermost part of something; (Geology) situated at the surface of the earth and independent of underlying rock.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surface > [adjective]
superficial?a1425
superficiary1615
peripherial1653
peripherical1690
peripheral1808
peripherous1816
peripheric1818
facial1842
epipolic1874
?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 62 Be yt resolued, if it be possible as when þe materie is subtile or superficiale, with som of resolutyuez to be said.
?1504 S. Hawes Example of Vertu sig. dd.ivv Mannes humayne partyes superfyxcyall.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde i. iv. f. 22 The myners dygged the superficiall or vppermost parte of the earthe.
1587 R. Greene Penelopes Web sig. B Nature had made her beautifull by a superficiall glorie of well proportioned lineaments.
1666 W. Boghurst Loimographia (1894) xxvi. 93 Little red superficiall pimples in clusters like nettle stinging.
1693 J. Ray Three Physico-theol. Disc. (ed. 2) i. ii. 7 Over the superficial part of the Earth.
1718 Filum Ariadneum 5 A Rawness, Itching, Heat, Redness, Inflammation and Suppuration of superficial little Pustles, Wheals, or Ulcers.
1740 T. Short Ess. Hist. Princ. Mineral Waters iii. 305 Superficial Springs, and such as rise out of a hot running Sand, are much affected by the Heat of the Season.
1798 C. Marshall Introd. Knowl. & Pract. Gardening (ed. 2) iv. 46 It is an excellent way of manuring,..where the superficial soil is much exhausted, to spread over rotten dung.
1829 T. Castle Introd. Systematical & Physiol. Bot. 58 With regard to their superficial figure, they are either capillary, linear, gramineous, [etc.].
1842 Penny Cycl. XXIII. 305/1 A more exact appreciation of the causes which have permitted the aggregation of the ‘superficial deposits’.
1872 T. H. Huxley Lessons Elem. Physiol. (ed. 6) v. 129 The rise in the temperature of the superficial blood.
1939 Science 20 Oct. 372/1 The superficial earth from a number of these seepage areas..was collected.
1955 Bull. Atomic Scientists May 172/2 If we assume that it takes about two months for the fragments to settle down and that they are then spread uniformly as a superficial layer all over the globe [etc.].
2000 Arctic, Antarctic, & Alpine Res. 32 85/2 Superficial deposits of Quaternary age cover the lower parts of the valleys and slopes.
b. Anatomy. Located just beneath the skin; located close (or closer than a related structure) to the surface of the body or of an organ (contrasted with deep).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > skin > layer of skin > [adjective] > specific layers
superficialc1475
cutaneous1578
cuticular1578
cutanean1601
cutany1615
cutaceous1649
cutaneal1650
intercutaneous1651
subcutaneous1656
epidermical1693
dermal1803
epidermal1816
dermoid1818
dermoidal1818
epidermic1830
epidermoidal1830
epidermoid1835
dermic1841
epidermatous1854
hypodermic1877
intraepidermal1904
intraepidermic1904
c1475 ( Surg. Treat. in MS Wellcome 564 f. 34v (MED) Þese ligamentis..ne touchen not þe herte in his sidis for þei schulden not lette þe stirynge of þe meuynge of his superficial parties.
1597 P. Lowe Whole Course Chirurg. viii. i. sig. Ddv Some must be long sharp pointed to open when the veines are deepe and hidden, as also to make little issues in small superficiall veines.
1684 tr. S. Blankaart Physical Dict. 13 Ambe is a superficial jutting out of the Bones.
1715 G. Cheyne Philos. Princ. Relig.: Pt. I (ed. 2) vi. 328 The Scales which compose the Scarfskin..do arise from the pressure of touching Bodies upon the Mouths of the Superficial Vessels.
1790 W. Cruikshank Anat. Absorbing Vessels (ed. 2) 185 I not only injected these vessels, and the deep-seated vessels passing ultimately through the portæ, but also..the superficial vessels of the left lobe.
1804 J. Abernethy Surg. Observ. 21 The superficial veins appear remarkably large.
1884 W. Pye Surg. Handicraft 14 The line of the superficial femoral artery.
1952 C. D. O'Malley & J. B. de C. M. Sounders Leonardo da Vinci on Human Body i. 15 Muscle contours, tendons and certain superficial blood vessels could be identified.
2006 K. D. Rose Beginning Age Mammals xv. 318/1 In the most primitive rodents..the superficial masseter arises from the front of the zygomatic arch.
c. Of an action or condition: occurring at or existing on the surface.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surface > [adjective] > only > of actions or conditions
superficial1568
1568 T. Hacket tr. A. Thevet New Found Worlde xvi. f. 25 That colour commeth of a superficiall action, being the great heate of the Sunne.
1663 G. Harvey Archelogia Philosophica Nova II. xx. 137 A smal alteration doth still continue, every minim yet pressing against the other, whereby the superficial heat doth by little and little exhale.
1697 T. Burnet Theory of Earth (ed. 3) iii. xi. 63 The Conflagration will be only a superficial scorching of the Earth, with a running fire.
1765 Strictures Comm. & Conf. Rev. Mr. Dodd 22 Is an external superficial motion an internal all-pervading one?
1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 146 The velocity of running water..is generally about nine-tenths of the superficial velocity.
1871 J. Tyndall Fragm. Sci. (1879) I. iv. 129 An amount of light derived from superficial reflection.
1887 R. Bentley Man. Bot. (ed. 5) i. iv. 283 In the Flowering Rush..they [sc. the ovules] cover the whole inner surface of the ovary except the midrib; in which case the placentation is sometimes described as superficial.
1954 Physiol. Zool. 27 112 Several types of experiment indicate an initial superficial action of ozone on cells.
2007 Observer 23 Dec. (Business & Media section) 14/1 Singing bowls..are artificially aged..by the application of verdigris, or by superficial beating.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > drawing > [adjective] > drawn > in specific manner
well-drawn1558
superficial1603
monogrammala1620
designed1624
side-drawna1657
monogrammical1686
monogrammic1721
monographic1731
outlined1798
free-hand1841
hand-drawn1850
matchstick1951
1603 S. Daniel Def. Ryme in Panegyrike (new ed.) sig. H2 Nor must we thinke, viewing the superficiall figure of a region in a Mappe that wee know strait the fashion and place as it is.
1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. Pref. sig. C3v Gloss'd outside Fallacies; like our Stage-scenes, or Perspectives, that shew things inwards, when they are but superficial paintings.
e. Roman Law and Civil Law. Designating the right to use the surface of another's land for building or other purposes; (also) denoting a person possessing such a right. Cf. superficies n. 4b. Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > legal right > rights to do or use something > [adjective] > right over surface of another's land
superficiary1716
superficial1778
1778 in Ld. Hailes Decisions Lords of Council & Session 1766–1791 (1826) II. 786 The tenant's right is merely superficial: how then can he dig for marle, which is consumed in using?
1830 Sir C. Wetherell in G. Concanen Rep. Trial Rowe v. Benton 16 His case is that he, as a superficial occupier, has a right to that which is taken up from under the soil.
1899 tr. Gen. Instr. Drafting Public Documents iii. 12 in Laws Cuba, Puerto Rico, & Philippines (War Dept.) II. In case of mortgaging superficial rights, pastures, waters, timber, or other similar real property rights, a statement must be made [etc.].
1953 Speculum 28 590 The builder's superficial right is..regarded as a sort of proprietas in re sua.
4.
a. Not thorough, detailed, or complete; cursory.
(a) Of a perception, judgement, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > carelessness > [adjective] > careless, not thorough
overlyc1450
superficialc1456
sloven1532
sloven-like1569
perfunctory1592
slovenly1592
perfunctorious1599
cursory1601
cursorarya1616
slighty1619
cursitory1632
touch and go1682
passant1685
skimming1728
slapdashc1792
lax1812
slap-bang1815
slummocking1825
slobbery1832
percursory1837
slipshod1845
slip-string1854
slummocky1855
free and easy1864
unthorough1868
slurring1880
slummy1881
sploshy1881
skimmy1893
surfacy1975
drive-through1994
the world > relative properties > wholeness > incompleteness > [adjective] > superficial
superficialc1456
superficiary1605
the world > existence and causation > existence > substantiality or concreteness > unsubstantiality or abstractness > [adjective] > superficial
thin?c1225
superficialc1456
shallowc1595
superficiary1605
eccentric1633
outside1644
tenuious1656
swimminga1680
outwarda1682
two-dimensional1934
the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > slight > slight or superficial
superficialc1456
skin-deepa1613
hoverly1633
surfacy1815
tangential1825
smattery1895
c1456 R. Pecock Bk. Faith (Trin. Cambr.) (1909) 116 (MED) That the seid erring persoonys take longe leiser forto sadli and oft overrede tho bokis, unto tyme thei schulen be wel aqueyntid with tho bokis..and not forto have in oon tyme, or ii tymes, a liȝt superficial overreding or heering oonly.
1533 T. More Debellacyon Salem & Bizance ii. xxi. f. clxv There be fewe partes in his boke.., that shall.., appere so good at length, as they seme..at the fyrste syght and at superfycyall readynge.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Isocrates in Panoplie Epist. 188 Many..taking but as it were, a superficiall viewe of these thinges, fall into this erronious..opinion.
1683 J. Dryden Life Plutarch 114 in J. Dryden et al. tr. Plutarch Lives I To vindicate our Authors Judgment from being superficial.
a1688 R. Cudworth Treat. Eternal & Immutable Morality (1731) iii. iii. 95 Sense is but a slight and Superficial Perception of the Outside..of a Corporeal Substance.
1728 L. Welsted in J. Henley Oratory Trans. No. 1. 10 [John Henley] was admitted to Priest's Orders..: The Examination..was very short and superficial.
1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest II. viii. 27 Pity and superficial consolation were all that Madame La Motte could offer.
1845 J. R. McCulloch Treat. Taxation i. iv. 115 On a superficial view, nothing seems fairer,..and yet few things would, in reality, be more unfair and mischievous.
1879 G. C. Harlan Eyesight i. 9 A superficial and hasty glance at its general outlines.
1908 W. H. Forse Electric Railway Auditing & Accounting xii. 77 The traveling auditor will make a superficial check by counting cash on hand.
1998 Pittsburgh (Pa.) Post-Gaz. (Nexis) 23 June e4 Those are just the ones that caught my eye on a superficial once-over.
(b) Of knowledge, learning, or ability.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > superficial knowledge > [adjective]
sciolousa1400
superficial1559
smattering1581
superficial1603
shallowa1616
lip-learned1683
sciolistic1830
superficialized1907
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > superficial knowledge > [adjective] > of knowledge, etc.: superficial
superficial1559
shallowc1595
superficiary1605
women's magazine1921
1559 W. Bavand tr. J. Ferrarius Common Weale iii. f. 27 Ought we not to thinke, that by a superficiall knowlege, in either the Lawe, or Philosophie, we shall be able to vnderstand, what is comely or profitable.
1576 A. Fleming tr. Hippocrates in Panoplie Epist. 281 Touching Nature their skill is but superficiall, and like a shadowe destitute of substaunce.
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning i. sig. B3 A little or superficiall knowledge of Philosophie may encline the minde of man to Atheisme. View more context for this quotation
1667 S. Pepys Diary 24 Feb. (1974) VIII. 79 He speaks well and hath pretty slight superficial parts, I believe.
1728 Kiss my A––– is no Treason 10 That Man must have but a very superficial Acquaintance with the British History, who does not readily acknowledge [etc.].
1791 J. Boswell Life Johnson I. 7 Men of superficial understanding, and ludicrous fancy.
1833 H. Coleridge Biographia Borealis p. vi Nothing is more likely to delude and puzzle simple persons..than a superficial acquaintance with the heads of history.
1865 J. Ruskin Sesame & Lilies ii. 161 There is a wide difference between elementary knowledge and superficial knowledge.
1913 Missionary Rev. of World Dec. 959/2 Some men with a superb education, more men with a superficial education, many half starved and degenerate, have been fomenting discontent.
2004 Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio) (Nexis) 3 Oct. c20 Today, in an age of specialization, few people have more than superficial ability in two fields.
(c) Of a statement, description, or account.
ΚΠ
1576 A. Fleming tr. G. Macropedius in Panoplie Epist. 377 I thinke it more auailable to kepe silence..then by saying litle, and ye same superficiall, to incurre reprehension, for attempting that, which I am not able to compasse.
a1592 R. Greene Mamillia (1593) ii. To Rdrs. sig. A3v Although shee hath not the Pumistone of learning to pollish her words with superficiall eloquence.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) v. vii. 10 This superficiall tale, Is but a preface of her worthy praise. View more context for this quotation
1624 T. Gataker Discuss. Transubstant. 36 His proofes are tedious, superficiall, and stuffed with impertinent allegations.
a1667 A. Cowley Of Agric. 101 in Wks. (1668) To read Pompous and Superficial Lectures out of Virgils Georgickes [etc.].
1762 Ld. Kames Elements Crit. I. ii. 110 A slight or superficial narrative produceth only a faint and incomplete idea.
1777 W. Robertson Hist. Amer. (1778) II. vii. 270 The accounts..are superficial, confused and inexplicable.
1855 R. C. Singleton in tr. Virgil Wks. I. Pref. p. xviii A florid but superficial style of construing; plausible and sparkling, but shallow and untrue.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 339 Of the courts of law..a superficial sketch has been given.
1945 H. A. Larrabee Reliable Knowl. ii. 76 Flights of fancy based upon superficial analogies and whims have misled millions for centuries.
2009 South China Morning Post (Nexis) 16 Apr. (Features section) 1 The story deserves much more than just a superficial account of events.
b. Of a person: lacking depth of character or understanding; concerned only with outward appearances; shallow, frivolous.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > superficial knowledge > [adjective]
sciolousa1400
superficial1559
smattering1581
superficial1603
shallowa1616
lip-learned1683
sciolistic1830
superficialized1907
1603 J. Florio tr. M. de Montaigne Ess. iii. v. 532 Oh how easie and plausible a course do these superficiall men vndertake, in respect of ours.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iii. i. 401 A very superficiall, ignorant, vnweighing fellow. View more context for this quotation
1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 130 Superficial Philosophers doe much please themselves with this division.
1710 J. Addison Tatler No. 226. ⁋4 He found himself run down as a superficial prating Quack.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones VI. xvii. v. 123 Nor are Instances of this Kind [sc. of the firmness and constancy of a true friend] so rare, as some superficial and inaccurate Observers have reported. View more context for this quotation
1853 C. Brontë Villette II. xix. 50 Superficial, showy, selfish people.
1867 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest I. i. 2 To a superficial observer the English people might seem..to be wiped out of the roll-call of the nations.
1957 A. Angoff Amer. Writing Today viii. 364 A selfish, conceited, superficial woman, completely contented by masculine flattery.
2009 J. Kellerman Evidence 114 He struck me as a superficial little twit. The type who spends too much time at the mirror.
5. That appears on the surface; visible from the outside; external, outward.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [adjective] > mere outward appearance
utter?c1225
outwarda1382
superficial1531
external1564
formala1586
surface1828
apparitional1899
1531 tr. E. Fox et al. Determinations Moste Famous Vniuersities iii. f. 49 A great and a right lawe shulde compose and order bothe the outwarde and the inwarde man also, whiche is bounde to kepe bothe the outwarde superfyciall meanyng of this lawe [L. exteriorem huius legis faciem], and also the inwarde and mysticall intent of the same.
1561 T. Hoby tr. B. Castiglione Courtyer i. sig. I.iiv Musicke..ought necessarilye to be learned..not onely for the superficial melodie that is hard, but to be sufficient to bring into vs a newe habite that is good.
1583 B. Melbancke Philotimus (new ed.) sig. Eiii He might tricke his speech with a few superficiall colours, but all his statly style were not woorth a strawe.
1614 S. Jerome Seauen Helpes to Heauen 420 When Elias tels Ahab that the Dogges shall eate him and Iezabel, hee makes some superficiall shew of repentance.
1647 J. Goodwin Hagiomastix 38 The two legs, on which the Anti-Querists Answer to their second Argument stands, to be..skin'd over onely with a superficiall or washie colour of Reason.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 15. ¶3 Smitten with every thing that is showy and superficial.
1773 E. Burke Let. 29 Sept. (1844) I. 441 There is a superficial appearance of equity in this tax.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. xxi. 581 Those superficial graces for which the French aristocracy was then renowned throughout Europe.
1883 J. Gilmour Among Mongols xviii. 210 The superficial aspects of Buddhism..as embodied in the life and habits of the Mongols.
1907 Univ. Toronto Monthly June 210 All things are superficial in education except character.
1997 Gainesville (Florida) Sun 19 Sept. (Scene section) 21/1 Each woman is willing to see the other in her true light, and to accept her without superficial refinements.
6. Situated on or near the surface; not extending much below the surface; that affects only the surface.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > condition of being external > surface > [adjective] > only
superficial1545
1545 T. Raynald in tr. E. Roesslin Byrth of Mankynde i. sig. Dv Ye thynne or superficial skyn, skale it, or fall it of, neuer so often, yet in the place of it, is reingendryd nue.
1594 T. Nashe Christs Teares (new ed.) To Rdr. sig. **3v Euen of sands and superficiall bubbles they will make hideous waues and dangerous quicke-sands.
1648 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple (ed. 2) 50 His [sc. the sun's] superficiall beames Sun-burnt our skin, But left within The night, and Winter still of Death and Sin.
1676 R. Wiseman Severall Chirurg. Treat. v. i. 348 In small and superficiall Wounds, Nature of her own accord is wont to effect the Cure.
1794 G. Adams Lect. Nat. & Exper. Philos. II. xx. 420 The colours of the eggs of certain birds are entirely superficial, and may be scraped off.
1849 Sketches Nat. Hist.: Mammalia IV. 104 Their principal food is afforded by the roots of plants, which is the object of their extensive and superficial burrows.
1877 T. H. Huxley Physiography 176 Compared with the great depths of the ocean, the Gulf Stream is extremely superficial.
1946 Pop. Mech. July 240/2 The public demands custom-built houses and will not be satisfied with superficial changes which often distinguish one prefab from another.
2003 C. Evans Question of Evid. xi. 148 The bullet then passed through Connally's right wrist and entered his left thigh, where it caused a superficial wound.
7. That has only the outward appearance of being what is denoted by the noun; appearing to be true or real only until examined more closely.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [adjective] > seeming or apparent
huedc1000
showing?c1400
seemlya1450
apparissaunt1485
superficial1616
specious1617
semblable1627
apparent1645
representative1646
skin-deep1653
appearing1656
seemingly1725
semblative1814
semblant1840
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > dissimulation, pretence > semblance, outward show > [adjective]
fairOE
seeming1340
feignedc1374
colourablea1400
whitea1413
coloured?c1425
satiablec1487
provable1588
specious1611
well-seeminga1616
superficial1616
meretricious1633
glosseda1640
probable1639
spurious1646
fucatious1654
ostensible1762
well-looking1811
semblant1840
1616 J. Bullokar Eng. Expositor Superficiall, bearing shew onely on the outside, without any goodnesse within.
1638 T. Heywood Wise Woman iii. i All Sutors..being repulst..doe but waste their dayes In thanklesse suites, and superficiall praise.
1664 H. More Modest Enq. Myst. Iniquity i. xvi. 56 All such Ludicrous and Superficial Religion must needs leave the body of sin entire and untouched, and the inward Mind dead and starved.
1755 Man 14 May 7 Their judgments ripen, and enable them to discover by what superficial reasons, and false appearances, they were deluded.
1809 H. More Coelebs in Search of Wife II. xxxiii. 106 There is no mark,..which more clearly distinguishes that humility which has the love of God for its principle, from its counterfeit, a false and superficial politeness.
1871 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues I. 471 The old quarrel..has at least a superficial reconcilement.
1901 Literary World 26 Apr. 391/3 This is loose talk with a fine superficial plausibility about it, easy enough to produce, but far from demonstrative.
2000 M. Strom Reframing Paul x. 123 Paul's themes have the appearance of theology, but the resemblance is superficial.
B. n.† 1. An outer part or surface. Obsolete. rare.† 2. A plane surface; a two-dimensional area. In early use also with the: the level, the plane. Obsolete. in the superficial: on a plane surface, two-dimensionally.
ΚΠ
c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 160v Sum wounde is superficial of þe whiche sum lippe or boþe lippis be reisid and be not faste or ellis þat þe superficial [?a1425 Hunterian 95 superficiele partie; L. pars ossis superficialis; Fr. la partie de l'os superficial] of þe boon is departable or departid.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > flatness or levelness > on a level surface [phrase]
in the superficial1561
1561 R. Eden tr. M. Cortés Arte Nauigation ii. xvi. sig. F.iii Among sundrie maners and fashions of perticuler Dials, there are two pryncipall. Wherof the one is Orientall, whiche is placed in the superficiall of the Horizon.
1578 W. Bourne Treasure for Traueilers Pref. sig. *.iiiv The third booke is as touching the measuring of Superficials and sollid bodies.
1589 G. Puttenham Arte Eng. Poesie iii. xxv. 254 The artes of painting and keruing, whereof one represents the naturall by light colour and shadow in the superficiall or flat, the other in a body massife.
1656 J. Brown Descr. Carpenters-rule 113 In all measures which are either lengths, Superficials or Solids.
1692 Martindale's Country-surv.-bk. 196 Measuring Superficials, and particularly Land, by all usual Instruments.
1739 London Evening-Post 30 Jan. (advt.) A new Set of Decimal Tables..shewing by Inspection the Content of all Superficials and Solids to the greatest exactness.
1785 in Ordinances Governor & Legislative Council Quebec (1795) 93 If there should be found triangles in the surveying or measuring of any lands.., the surveyor so surveying, shall particularly make mention of the same, in the survey... As also of curvilineal or mixtlineal figures and descriptions, and also of superficials, if it be necessary.
1891 J. Leaning Quantity Surv. (ed. 2) iv. 129 In a small work it will be sufficient to adopt the common practice of arrangement—cubes, superficials, runs, numbers, according to value.
3. With the. That which is superficial.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > that which is unimportant > insubstantial
triflec1290
vainc1330
winda1382
vapour1382
gossamer?a1400
visevase1481
good morrow1542
cobweb1579
superficial1579
puff1583
bladder1589
blathery1591
froth1594
bag of winda1599
moth1600
nominala1625
tumour1630
windlestraw1637
vacuity1648
balloon1656
blank1678
breath bubble1835
nominality1842
fluff1906
cotton candy1931
the world > existence and causation > existence > substantiality or concreteness > unsubstantiality or abstractness > [noun] > unsubstantiality or lack of substance > superficiality or hollowness > that which is superficial
superficial1579
1579 G. Fenton tr. F. Guicciardini Hist. Guicciardin i. 56 The Cardinall..admonished them..that they should not consider onely the superficiall and beginning of thinges [It. la superficie, e i principii delle cose], but see deepely that which with time, and in tyme may happen.
1607 N. Geffe tr. O. de Serres Perfect Vse Silke-wormes 93 My discourses not diuing to the Center, shall rest themselues at the Superficiall.
1652 J. Paulet tr. P. Le Moyne Gallery Heroick Women 71 To forsake the solid which is obscure, and noiseless; and to run after the superficial which is bright and resounding.
1739 M. D. tr. Marquis d'Argens Jewish Spy I. xxix. 216 If in the rest of the Jewish Law he perceives any Errors, he blames the Men that introduced them, and distinguishes the essential from the superficial.
1812 T. Taylor Diss. Philos. Aristotle i. xviii. 183 It was usual with the ancients to contradict that which is apparent, through a contempt of the knowledge of the mere superficial.
1892 Daily News 28 Nov. 3/2 There was all the difference in the world between the elementary and the superficial.
1914 H. James Notes on Novelists 45 We see enough of the superficial among novelists at large..without deriving from it..the concomitant impression of the solid.
2007 J. Berman A to Z Guide to Raising Happy, Confident Kids 225 Recognize your daughter for her mind, ideas, skills, and creativity instead of her looks. Reinforce her strengths outside of the superficial.
4. In plural. Superficial or outward characteristics or qualities. Cf. superficiality n. 2.In quot. 1652: (perhaps) showy dress, finery.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > thing seen > appearance or aspect > [noun] > mere appearance
shroudc1175
frontc1374
appearancec1384
countenance?c1425
fard1540
show1547
habit1549
outside1578
glimpse1579
superficies?1589
species1598
out-term1602
paint1608
surface1613
superfice1615
umbrage1639
superficials1652
semblance1843
outer womana1845
outward man1846
patina1957
1652 C. B. Stapylton tr. Herodian Imperiall Hist. xvi. 132 Such he bids as are of Noble Linage, With all their Superficials thither come.
1701 M. Bee Lady's Perspective Glass 5 A common Horse-Courser or Sharper, in whom one may safely affirm..that (for all their Pompous superficials) there's no more true..Honour..within them.
1771 London Mag. Jan. 26/1 Unqualified to penetrate beyond the surface, [they] take superficials for essentials.
1832 R. H. Froude Remains (1838) I. 294 They cannot sink us so deep as these people have allowed themselves to fall while retaining all the superficials of a religious country.
1897 T. Watts-Dunton Aylwin ii. iv Excepting in the merest superficials, there is a far greater variety in women than in men.
1956 O. Hertzler Crisis in World Population vi. 138 It is commonly observed that workers acquire the superficials of technology but are not widely proficient in the underlying principles.
2010 Boston (Mass.) Herald (Nexis) 5 Oct. 26 Politicians with a performance record ought to be evaluated not on superficials or the attractiveness of their families [etc.].
5. With the and plural agreement: superficial people as a class. Also as a count noun: a superficial person (rare).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > superficial knowledge > [noun] > person of superficial knowledge > collectively
sciolous1677
superficial1701
dilettantedom1887
1701 J. Swift Disc. Contests Nobles & Commons iv. 43 The Ambitious, the Covetous, the Superficial, and the ill-designing; who are..apt to be Bold, and Forward.
1783 H. Blair Lect. Rhetoric II. xxxv. 258 They are commonly none but the ignorant or superficial, who undervalue them [sc. the Ancients].
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham I. xv. 94 It is the young, the light, the superficial, who are easily misled by error.
1852 P. Hawker Diary (1893) II. 337 If my plans are adopted, the Government superficials cannot pass them off as their own suggestions.
1915 Ann. Amer. Acad. Polit. & Social Sci. 60 8 Only the superficial think that the mass of these loans and the bulk of these sales concern munitions of war.
2003 J. MacArthur Hard to Believe vi. 98 The superficial are the ones who call themselves Christians because, when they were little, they went to church or Sunday school.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2012; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.n.a1398