SUPERFI'CIAL, adjective 1. Being on the surface; not penetrating the substance of a thing; as a superficial color; a superficial covering. 2. Composing the surface or exterior part; as, soil constitutes the superficial part of the earth. 3. Shallow; contrived to cover something. This superficial tale Is but a preface to her worthy praise. 4. Shallow; not deep or profound; reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; as a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI