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cursory

adjective
cur·​so·​ry | \ ˈkərs-rē How to pronounce cursory (audio) , ˈkər-sə-\

Definition of cursory

: rapidly and often superficially performed or produced : hasty a cursory glance Only a cursory inspection of the building's electrical wiring was done.
Other Words from cursory Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym What Is the Difference Between cursory,superficial, and shallow? More Example Sentences Learn More about cursory

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Other Words from cursory

cursorily \ ˈkərs-​rə-​lē How to pronounce cursorily (audio) , ˈkər-​sə-​ \ adverb
cursoriness \ ˈkərs-​rē-​nəs How to pronounce cursoriness (audio) , ˈkər-​sə-​ \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for cursory

superficial, shallow, cursory mean lacking in depth or solidity. superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features. a superficial analysis of the problem shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character. a light, shallow, and frivolous review cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details. gave the letter only a cursory reading

What Is the Difference Between cursory,superficial, and shallow?

Cursory and its synonyms "superficial" and "shallow" all mean "lacking in depth or solidity" - but these words are not used in exactly the same way in all cases. "Cursory," which comes from the Latin verb currere ("to run"), implies speed and stresses a lack of attention to detail. While "cursory" suggests a lack of thoroughness, "superficial" implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features. An analysis of a problem might be labeled "superficial" if it considers only the obvious and fails to dig deeper into the issue. "Shallow" is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character, as in "insensitive and shallow comments."

Examples of cursory in a Sentence

Only a cursory inspection of the building's electrical wiring was done. The mayor gave a cursory glance at the report. Even the most cursory look at the organization's records shows problems.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Attendance is another way to measure the pulse of fans, but a cursory look at the numbers can sometimes be deceiving. — Joey Morona, cleveland.com, "Your interest in the Indians is sky-high and you’re starting to show it with your dollars," 16 Aug. 2019 Unfortunately, this planetary emergency received only cursory attention. — Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, "Letter: DNC should urge climate debate among candidates," 7 July 2019 Anderson said a cursory search of other states shows a variety of ways consumers are protected elsewhere. — Ryan Randazzo, azcentral, "After heat-related death, Attorney General Mark Brnovich says Arizona needs power shutoff law," 14 June 2019 In one case, a doctor operated a pharmacy in his office, just outside the exam room, where patients could fill their prescriptions for opioids immediately after receiving cursory exams, according to the Justice Department. — The Washington Post, oregonlive, "Doctors in Ohio and 4 other states charged with prescribing painkillers for cash, sex," 17 Apr. 2019 The plan was met with a skeptical reception by Trump, and the White House paid only a cursory mention of the Gulf in its official readout of the lunch meeting. — Darlene Superville, Twin Cities, "Economic storm clouds hovering over Trump and global leaders," 24 Aug. 2019 But the drama that surrounds the soap opera can't withstand even cursory scrutiny. — Barbara Vandenburgh, azcentral, "‘Tel Aviv on Fire’ confronts Israeli-Palestinian conflict — through a soap opera," 31 July 2019 Violations in the quality of medical care and safety of detainees are infrequent and cursory, according to a review of federal records and court documents. — Los Angeles Times, "Private inspectors paint a rosy picture of U.S. immigrant detention centers. Audits find otherwise," 26 July 2019 The plot element is handled in cursory fashion, via Frank making a brief public announcement, followed by onscreen graphics informing us of its hundreds of thousands of good deeds. — Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Wish Man': Film Review," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cursory.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of cursory

1601, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for cursory

borrowed from Medieval Latin cursōrius "of running, swift" (Late Latin in nominal derivatives, as cursōria "shoe for running"), adjectival derivative of Latin cursor "runner" — more at cursor

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More Definitions for cursory

cursory

adjective
How to pronounce cursory (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of cursory

formal + often disapproving : done or made quickly

See the full definition for cursory in the English Language Learners Dictionary

cursory

adjective
cur·​so·​ry | \ ˈkərs-rē How to pronounce cursory (audio) , ˈkər-sə-rē\

Kids Definition of cursory

: done or made quickly a cursory reply

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