Superficials

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Characterizing aspects that are shallow or lacking depth; relating to matters that are only surface-level without significant insight; describing details that do not delve into the core or essence of a subject
2. Pertaining to elements that emphasize surface rather than substance; involving concerns or traits that are trivial and do not require profound understanding; defining features that overlook the deeper implications or meanings
3. Relating to phenomena that focus on outer appearances rather than inner qualities; addressing aspects that are inconsequential or lack thorough examination; highlighting elements that remain at the surface without meaningful exploration

Etymology: "Superficials" is the plural of "superficial," used as a noun for surface-level details or matters that do not reach the heart of a question. The adjective "superficial" came into English by borrowing from Late Latin "superficiālis," meaning "of or belonging to the surface." That Latin form was built from "superficiēs," "top" or "surface," which combines "super," "above," with "faciēs," "face" or "appearance," so the word literally describes what lies over the face of something. The Latin root is a useful clue to how the English sense developed. A thing's face was its visible outside, so something superficial was only what could be seen on that outer layer, with nothing underneath examined. The noun form pluralizes that idea into a collection of such outer features, which is why the word is most often heard in phrases about matters judged at a glance.

Synonyms: shallow people, surface-level people

Antonyms: deep thinkers, profound people