Definitions
- Describing the external appearance or behavior of a person or thing. - Referring to the observable characteristics or features of something. - Talking about the way something appears or seems on the surface.
- Describing a cursory or shallow examination or understanding of something. - Referring to a surface-level analysis or observation of a topic. - Talking about a lack of depth or detail in one's knowledge or understanding of something.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe the surface or exterior of something.
- 2Both words can refer to a lack of depth or detail.
- 3Both words are used to describe a limited or incomplete understanding of something.
What is the difference?
- 1Scope: Outwardly refers to the external appearance or behavior of a person or thing, while superficially refers to a shallow or cursory understanding or examination of something.
- 2Depth: Outwardly can still convey a deeper meaning or emotion beneath the surface, while superficially implies a lack of depth or substance.
- 3Usage: Outwardly is more commonly used to describe appearance or behavior, while superficially is more commonly used to describe knowledge or understanding.
- 4Connotation: Outwardly can have positive or negative connotations depending on the context, while superficially generally has a negative connotation.
Remember this!
Outwardly and superficially both describe the surface or exterior of something, but they differ in their scope and depth. Outwardly refers to the external appearance or behavior of a person or thing, while superficially refers to a shallow or cursory understanding or examination of something. Outwardly can still convey a deeper meaning or emotion beneath the surface, while superficially implies a lack of depth or substance.