SUPERFI'CIAL, adjective

1. Being on the surface; not penetrating the substance of a thing; as a superficial color; a superficial covering.

2. Composing the surface or exterior part; as, soil constitutes the superficial part of the earth.

3. Shallow; contrived to cover something.

This superficial tale

Is but a preface to her worthy praise.

4. Shallow; not deep or profound; reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; as a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge.