What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cursory
Example
I gave the report a cursory glance before the meeting. [cursory: adjective]
Example
She only had time for a cursory look at the painting before leaving. [cursory: adjective]
perfunctory
Example
The employee gave a perfunctory apology to the customer. [perfunctory: adjective]
Example
He did a perfunctory job of cleaning the kitchen, leaving many spots untouched. [perfunctory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cursory is more commonly used than perfunctory in everyday language. Cursory is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while perfunctory is less common and has a more negative connotation.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between cursory and perfunctory?
Both cursory and perfunctory are relatively formal words, but cursory can be used in a wider range of formality levels than perfunctory.
