superficially
On the surface
Superficially means on the surface only, without depth or thoroughness.
A superficially attractive idea looks good until you examine it closely.
Someone who understands a topic superficially knows the basics but lacks deeper grasp: I've read about it superficially.
Two things superficially similar share surface features but differ fundamentally underneath.
Outward visible form
- facadeDeceptive outward appearance
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- exteriorOuter portion
- cosmeticSurface-level appearance enhancer
seeming · ostensibly · apparently · outwardly · presentably · externally · visibly · nominally
Brief, casual look
- skimPass over lightly
- scanBrief visual sweep
- briefShort in duration
- hastyExcessively quick, ill-considered
quick · fleeting · passing · perfunctory · casual · summary · overview · sweep
Affecting only the surface
- trivialLacking significance or weight
- glibSuperficially articulate
- facileSuperficially simple or effortless
- simplisticExcessively basic, ignoring complexity
frivolous · lightweight · one-dimensional · trite · vapid · hollow · empty · unexamined
appearance
Outward visible form
cosmetic · seeming · ostensibly · apparently · outwardly · presentably · externally · visibly · nominally · window-dressing
glance
Brief, casual look
hasty · quick · fleeting · passing · perfunctory · casual · summary · overview · sweep · preliminary
skin-deep
Affecting only the surface
- trivialLacking significance or weight
- glibSuperficially articulate
- facileSuperficially simple or effortless
simplistic · frivolous · lightweight · one-dimensional · trite · vapid · hollow · empty · unexamined · unconsidered
- directional adverbshorizontally, vertically, diagonally, laterally, longitudinally
- mental adverbsmentally, cognitively, consciously, unconsciously, subconsciously
- without enthusiasmhalfheartedly, listlessly, apathetically, indifferently, uninspiredly
superficiallythoroughly
In complete detail
deeply · in depth · exhaustively · comprehensively · rigorously
superficiallygenuinely
In a real manner
truly · fundamentally · essentially · basically · inherently
superficiallycompletely
To the fullest extent
entirely · fully · comprehensively · totally · wholly
- superficial charmAttractive but insincere magnetism
- superficial burnHeat injury affecting only epidermis