French Conversation · Level 33
90 words
French word
superficiel
Pronunciation
IPA/sypɛʁfisjɛl/
Meaning
- adjectivesuperficial
Example
Ne reste pas sur une impression superficielle.
Don't settle for a superficial impression.
More examples
Son jugement est trop superficiel.
His judgment is too superficial.
Core concept
A thin outer layer with little depth or substance behind it.
Common phrases
jugement superficiel
superficial judgment
conversation superficielle
superficial conversation
aspect superficiel
superficial aspect
Similar words
apparent: Seeming true from appearances or the way something presents itself.
léger: Not intense or heavy, and carrying little importance.
frivole: Trivial and unserious, with a shallow or careless attitude.
Definition in French
S'emploie pour qualifier ce qui reste à la surface, sans vraie substance ni réflexion.
Word origin
French superficiel comes from Latin superficialis, formed from superficies, itself built from super, meaning 'above', and facies, meaning 'face'.
Usage tips
- Superficiel agrees in gender and number: superficiel, superficielle, superficiels, and superficielles.
Other meanings
- shallowadjective
Opposites
- approfondithoroughadjective
- profonddeepadjective
Related words
- superficialitésuperficialitynoun
- superficiellementsuperficiallyadverb