Felületes

Felületes is a Hungarian adjective meaning not thorough or deep, describing approaches, analyses, or knowledge that only consider the surface or present aspects rather than examining underlying causes or details. It can refer to a person who tends to judge quickly without depth, or to descriptions, research, or work that lacks depth.

Etymology: The term derives from felület, meaning surface, with the suffix -es, resulting in the sense of “related to the surface” or “pertaining to the surface.” In usage, felületes conveys a sense of superficiality and is typically used with a negative connotation.

Usage: Common collocations include felületes vizsgálat (a superficial examination), felületes olvasat or felületes leírás (a superficial reading or description), and felületes tudás (superficial knowledge). The word is frequently used in criticism of journalism, academic work, or everyday decision-making, where depth of analysis is expected but not provided.

Synonyms and contrasts: A widely used synonym is felszínes, also meaning shallow or superficial. Antonyms include alapos, mély, részletes, and mélyreható, which denote thoroughness, depth, and detailed treatment. The choice between felületes and its antonyms often reflects evaluative tone—felületes tends to carry a negative judgment about depth.

Usage note: In formal writing, felületes is used to describe an insufficient or careless treatment and is not a neutral descriptor. When referring to a person, it can be dismissive; when describing work or study, it signals a need for deeper analysis.