superficially
superficially — 副詞
1. used when something seems to have one quality on first inspection, but the oppos
表面上
看起來真實但其實不然
used when something seems to have one quality on first inspection, but the opposite is true after looking more carefully.
Superficially, the two novels seem very different, but both explore the same theme of loss.
表面上，這兩部小說似乎很不一樣，但它們探討的都是失去這個主題。
sentence adverb at start of clause
Nila's plan was superficially attractive, but the team quickly found serious budget problems.
Nila 的計畫表面上很吸引人，但團隊很快發現了嚴重的預算問題。
Michael looked superficially calm during the interview, though his voice gave away his nerves.
Michael 在面試中表面上很冷靜，但他的聲音透露出緊張。
The proposal was superficially reasonable, yet it ignored the main concerns of local residents.
該提案表面上合理，卻忽略了當地居民的主要關切。
Superficially, Emre's answer sounded correct, but the teacher spotted a flaw in the logic.
表面上，Emre 的回答聽起來是對的，但老師發現了邏輯上的漏洞。
- seemingly
more neutral; 'seemingly' often implies the appearance may be correct, while 'superficially' suggests it is misleading
- apparently
focuses on what is visible or reported, without necessarily implying the deeper truth is different
- ostensibly
formal; emphasises an official or claimed reason that may hide the real one
文法句型
superficially + [clause]
superficially + [adjective]
用法筆記
Often contrasts a first impression with the true situation, frequently in a clause-initial position followed by a comma.
常見錯誤
2. dealing with just the things that are easiest to notice, without examining any d
粗略地
不深入地只看明顯部分
dealing with just the things that are easiest to notice, without examining any details or hidden parts.
Beatriz only superficially read the contract before signing, and later regretted it.
Beatriz 只是粗略地看了合約就簽了名，後來非常後悔。
only + superficially before the verb
Yuna cleaned the apartment only superficially, leaving a thick layer of dust on the shelves.
Yuna 只是粗略地打掃了公寓，架子上還留著厚厚的一層灰塵。
The journalist discussed the issue only superficially, avoiding the hardest questions about corruption.
那位記者只是粗略地討論了這個議題，避開了關於貪腐的最尖銳問題。
Mathieu knew his subject only superficially, so the exam answers were vague and incomplete.
Mathieu 只是粗略地了解他的科目，所以考試的答案很模糊且不完整。
Mira skimmed the chapter superficially and could not answer any of the quiz questions.
Mira 粗略地瀏覽了那一章，結果回答不出任何測驗題。
文法句型
verb + only + superficially
superficially + verb of examination
用法筆記
Frequently paired with 'only' to emphasise the limited depth of the action. Common with verbs of examining, reading, cleaning, or discussing.
常見錯誤
3. affecting only the outer layer or top part of something, without penetrating int
在表層上
僅影響外層不深入內部
affecting only the outer layer or top part of something, without penetrating into the deeper material or structure.
The wooden table was only superficially scratched, so a quick polish made it look new.
那張木桌只是在表層上刮傷了，稍微拋光一下就像新的一樣。
only superficially + past participle for physical damage
Chidi's car was superficially damaged by the hailstorm, with small dents but no broken windows.
Chidi 的車子在冰雹風暴中只在表層上受損，有小凹痕但沒有打破窗戶。
Asher wiped the counter superficially, leaving sticky patches near the sink edge.
Asher 只是在檯面表層上擦了擦，水槽邊緣還留著黏黏的污漬。
The flowerpot cracked only superficially, so it still held soil and water without leaking.
花盆只在表層上裂了一點，仍然能裝土和水，不會漏水。
Amihan's knee was only superficially bruised after the fall, and she could walk home.
Amihan 摔倒後膝蓋只在表層上瘀青，她還能走路回家。
- externally
focuses on the outside appearance rather than depth of effect
- lightly
suggests gentle contact; does not necessarily mean only the surface is affected
- deeply
reaching far into the material or substance
文法句型
superficially + [past participle]
only superficially + [verb of damage]
用法筆記
Describes physical damage or cleaning that stays on the outer layer, not causing deeper harm. Often paired with 'only' to reassure that the effect is minor.
superficially — 形容詞
- superficiallypositive
- more superficiallycomparative
- most superficiallysuperlative
1. positioned on or close to the outer layer of a body or object, rather than deep
表層的
位於或靠近物體表面
positioned on or close to the outer layer of a body or object, rather than deep inside it.
The superficial veins in Alessia's hands were easy to see after she went jogging.
Alessia 慢跑後，她手上表層的靜脈很容易就能看到。
superficial + anatomical noun (veins)
A superficial scratch on the car door cost almost nothing to repair.
車門上一道表層的刮痕，修理費用幾乎為零。
The doctor examined the superficial layers of Arjun's skin for any signs of infection.
醫生檢查了 Arjun 皮膚的表層，尋找是否有任何感染的跡象。
Superficial muscles lie just under the skin and help control facial expressions.
表層肌肉就在皮膚下方，有助於控制臉部表情。
The cat had a superficial wound on its ear from fighting with a neighbour's pet.
那隻貓跟鄰居的寵物打架，耳朵上有一道表層的傷口。
- surface-level
less formal; used more in everyday contexts than medical writing
- outer
broader meaning; can refer to any external part, not necessarily near a surface
文法句型
superficial + [noun referring to body part or object layer]
用法筆記
Common in medical and anatomical contexts to distinguish structures near the skin from 'deep' structures.
2. limited to the outer area or topmost part, not reaching or affecting what lies u
淺層的
僅在外部不深入的
limited to the outer area or topmost part, not reaching or affecting what lies underneath.
The knife made only a superficial cut on Nila's finger, barely drawing blood.
那把刀只在 Nila 的手指上劃了一道淺層的傷口，幾乎沒有流血。
superficial cut — physical, not deep
Michael's knowledge of Spanish remained superficial after just a few online lessons.
Michael 上了幾堂線上課程後，對西班牙語的認識仍然很淺層。
The earthquake caused superficial cracks in the plaster but no structural damage.
地震只在灰泥牆上造成淺層的裂縫，沒有造成結構性損壞。
Emre's understanding of the budget was too superficial to help with the financial plan.
Emre 對預算的理解太淺層了，無法幫助制定財務計畫。
The burn was superficial, so Beatriz treated it at home with cool water and cream.
那塊燙傷是淺層的，所以 Beatriz 在家用涼水和藥膏處理。
文法句型
superficial + [noun of damage or knowledge]
be + superficial
用法筆記
Spans both physical (shallow injury) and metaphorical (limited knowledge) uses. The context — usually the noun it modifies — tells the reader which domain applies.
常見錯誤
3. carried out quickly without paying attention to details or doing a full check of
不徹底的
不仔細不全面的
carried out quickly without paying attention to details or doing a full check of everything.
Yuna gave the report a superficial reading and missed the error on page three.
Yuna 不徹底地讀了那份報告，漏掉了第三頁的錯誤。
superficial reading — not thorough
The inspector's superficial check of the building failed to spot the faulty wiring.
檢查員對建築物做了不徹底的檢查，未能發現有問題的線路。
Mathieu made only superficial changes to the essay without fixing the weak argument.
Mathieu 對文章只做了不徹底的修改，沒有修正薄弱論點。
A superficial search of the office found nothing, so the team checked the storage room.
對辦公室做了不徹底的搜尋後一無所獲，團隊於是去查看了儲藏室。
Mira's superficial research led to a presentation full of gaps and unanswered questions.
Mira 不徹底的研究導致了一場充滿漏洞和未答問題的簡報。
- cursory
more formal; focuses on speed and lack of attention
- quick
general word; does not carry the negative judgement that 'superficial' does
- perfunctory
formal; suggests the action is done as a routine duty without real interest
文法句型
superficial + [noun of examination or effort]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 2 (SHALLOW): this sense describes the manner of an action (quick, incomplete), whereas SHALLOW describes the limited depth of knowledge or damage. Often paired with 'only' or 'merely'.
4. having the appearance of being meaningful, important, or genuine, but lacking re
膚淺的
僅有外表缺乏實質內容
having the appearance of being meaningful, important, or genuine, but lacking real depth or true value underneath.
Mira and Chidi had a superficial friendship based on nothing more than gossip and selfies.
Mira 和 Chidi 之間的友情很膚淺，不過是建立在八卦和自拍照之上。
superficial friendship — lacking real emotional depth
The company's commitment to green energy proved superficial when it kept using coal.
那家公司對綠色能源的承諾被證實很膚淺，因為它仍在繼續使用煤炭。
Asher found the conversation superficial, full of comments about appearances but no real ideas.
Asher 覺得那場對話很膚淺，滿是關於外表的評論，卻沒有真正的想法。
Amihan realised her understanding of Japanese culture was superficial until she lived in Kyoto.
Amihan 發現她對日本文化的了解很膚淺，直到她住在京都才明白。
The politician's apology was superficial and failed to convince anyone affected by the scandal.
那位政治人物的道歉很膚淺，未能說服任何受到醜聞影響的人。
- genuine
truly what it appears to be; sincere and real
- profound
showing great depth of understanding or meaning
- meaningful
having real importance or value
文法句型
superficial + [noun of relationship or quality]
be + superficial
用法筆記
Strongly negative in tone. Unlike sense 2 (SHALLOW), which can be neutral when describing physical damage, this sense always carries criticism — it implies the thing or person is disappointing because it does not deliver on its apparent promise.