7 uses
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Definition
relating to a surface rather than to anything deep or penetrating (often of injuries or thinking)
- She told Philip that his friend had no talent really; it was just flashy and superficial; he couldn't compose a figure to save his life.43-44 — Chapters 43-44 (51% in)
- With smiling ease, apologetically, Weeks tore to pieces all that Hayward had said; with elaborate civility he displayed the superficiality of his attainments.27-28 — Chapters 27-28 (7% in)
- I believe I'm through with the Impressionists; I've got an idea they'll seem very thin and superficial in a few years.47-48 — Chapters 47-48 (63% in)
- At Julian's and at the Beaux Arts a French student was looked upon with disfavour by his fellow-countrymen when he consorted with foreigners, and it was difficult for an Englishman to know more than quite superficially any native inhabitants of the city in which he dwelt.47-48 — Chapters 47-48 (84% in)
- He began to wonder whether he had anything more than a superficial cleverness of the hand which enabled him to copy objects with accuracy.49-50 — Chapters 49-50 (52% in)
- It was notorious that the Salon had refused pictures which were afterwards famous; it was the first time Philip had sent, and he must expect a rebuff; Flanagan's success was explicable, his picture was showy and superficial: it was just the sort of thing a languid jury would see merit in.49-50 — Chapters 49-50 (64% in)
- Its facile charm can offer permanent entertainment only to an intelligence which is superficial.87-88 — Chapters 87-88 (65% in)
There are no more uses of "superficial" in Of Human Bondage.
Typical Usage
(best examples)