cursorily

Cursorily is an adverb that describes something done in a hasty, superficial, or brief manner, without much attention to detail. It suggests a lack of thoroughness or deep consideration. When someone examines something cursorily, they are likely to skim over it or glance at it quickly, rather than engaging in a detailed or careful study.

For example, if a student were to read an assigned chapter cursorily, they would probably not absorb much of the information. They might flip through the pages, read a few sentences here and there, but they would not be engaging with the material in a meaningful way. Similarly, a manager might review a report cursorily, meaning they would give it a quick look to get a general sense of its contents without delving into every aspect.

The word originates from the Latin word "cursorius," meaning "relating to running," which itself comes from "currere," meaning "to run." This etymology highlights the idea of speed and swiftness associated with the term. Something done cursorily is done on the run, so to speak, rather than with deliberate, unhurried care. The implication is often that a more thorough approach would have been beneficial or necessary.