What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
perfunctory
Example
He gave a perfunctory nod to acknowledge her presence. [perfunctory: adjective]
Example
She completed the task in a perfunctory manner, without putting much thought into it. [perfunctory: adverb]
superficial
Example
Her knowledge of the subject was only superficial, and she struggled to answer more in-depth questions. [superficial: adjective]
Example
He had a superficial understanding of the issue, and his proposed solution did not address the underlying problems. [superficial: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Superficial is more commonly used than perfunctory in everyday language. Superficial is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while perfunctory is less common and tends to be used in more formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between perfunctory and superficial?
Perfunctory is typically associated with a formal and professional tone, while superficial can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
