Shallower

Shallower is the comparative form of the adjective shallow. It describes something that has less depth or is closer to the surface, in comparison with another object, region, or time. While most often used for physical depth, the term can also apply to depth of understanding, complexity, or processes in a figurative sense.

In practical use, shallower is commonly employed to compare depths of bodies of water, soils, or geological layers. For example, the water here is shallower than upstream, and a shallower layer of sediment sits atop the bedrock in this area. In geology and oceanography, shallower depths can affect factors such as light penetration, temperature, and ecosystem structure. Seismologists may describe an earthquake as shallower when its focus lies closer to the Earth’s surface.

Shallower is also used metaphorically to indicate reduced depth or complexity of a topic, relationship, or analysis. A shallower understanding implies fewer details or nuances than a deeper one. The construction often appears in phrases such as shallower than before or shallower waters, highlighting relative change or comparison.

The opposite form is deeper, with the superlative deepest. The word is generally used as an adjective and is not typical as an adverb. Overall, shallower conveys a relative, surface-level or less-intense sense of depth across physical, geographical, and conceptual contexts.