Deep vs. Superficial: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Deep refers to something extensive, profound, or physically far down, while superficial implies being on the surface, shallow, or lacking depth.
Key Differences
Deep often implies complexity and thoroughness in understanding or analysis. Superficial, conversely, suggests a lack of depth or detailed understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Deep can describe intense, profound emotions or thoughts. Superficial is used for emotions or thoughts that are shallow or not deeply felt.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
In a physical context, deep refers to something extending far down from the surface. Superficial refers to something existing or occurring at or on the surface.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Deep signifies serious intellectual or philosophical engagement. Superficial implies a cursory or surface-level engagement with a topic.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Deep often conveys sincerity and authenticity in character or conversation. Superficial can imply a lack of genuineness or seriousness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Complexity
Involves complexity and thoroughness
Lacks depth, often simplistic
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Emotional Depth
Profound, intense emotions
Shallow, not deeply felt emotions
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Intellectual Quality
Serious, philosophical engagement
Cursory, surface-level engagement
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Deep and Superficial Definitions
Deep
Having great intensity or seriousness.
She had a deep understanding of the subject.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Superficial
Lacking depth of character or understanding.
Their conversation was superficial and brief.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Deep
Having a deep, full, and reverberating sound.
His deep voice echoed in the hall.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Superficial
Existing or occurring at or on the surface.
The wound was only superficial and not serious.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Superficial
Being apparent but lacking substance or conviction.
His interest in the topic was purely superficial.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Superficial
Of, affecting, or being on or near the surface
A superficial wound.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; shallow
Wrote him off as superficial.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Extending far from side to side from a center
A deep yard surrounding the house.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Apparent rather than actual or substantial
A superficial resemblance between the two films.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Not extensive or important; minor or insignificant
Made only a few superficial changes in the manuscript.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(Sports) Located or taking place near the outer boundaries of the area of play
Deep left field.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Situated or occurring on the skin or immediately beneath it.
Superficial muscles
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Extending a specific distance in a given direction
Snow four feet deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Not thorough, deep, or complete; concerned only with the obvious or apparent.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Difficult to penetrate or understand; recondite
A deep metaphysical theory.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Lacking depth of character or understanding; lacking substance or significance.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Of a mysterious or obscure nature
A deep secret.
Ancient and deep tribal rites.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
A surface detail.
He always concentrates on the superficials and fails to see the real issue.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Of or pertaining to the superficies, or surface; lying on the surface; shallow; not deep; as, a superficial color; a superficial covering; superficial measure or contents; superficial tillage.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Reaching or comprehending only what is obvious or apparent; not deep or profound; shallow; - said especially in respect to study, learning, and the like; as, a superficial scholar; superficial knowledge.
This superficial taleIs but a preface of her worthy praise.
He is a presumptuous and superficial writer.
That superficial judgment, which happens to be right without deserving to be so.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Very absorbed or involved
Deep in thought.
Deep in financial difficulties.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Being or affecting or concerned with a surface; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually;
Superficial similarities
A superficial mind
His thinking was superficial and fuzzy
Superficial knowledge
The superficial report didn't give the true picture
Only superficial differences
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Relating to a surface;
Superficial measurements
The superficial area of the wall
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Of little substance or significance;
A few superficial editorial changes
Only trivial objections
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Involving a surface only;
Her beauty is only skin-deep
Superficial bruising
A surface wound
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Covered or surrounded to a designated degree. Often used in combination
Waist-deep in the water.
Ankle-deep in snow.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Superficial
Not thorough or detailed.
She gave the report a superficial review.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Superficial
Lacking sincerity or depth of feeling.
His apology seemed superficial and unconvincing.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Deep
(Sports) Having a sufficient number of capable reserve players
That team is not very deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(Sports) Close to the outer boundaries of the area of play
Played deep for the first three innings.
Ran deep into their opponents' territory.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
A deep place in land or in a body of water
Drowned in the deep of the river.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(Nautical) A sounding that falls between marks on a lead line and thus corresponds to an estimated depth rather than a precise depth.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Extending far down from the top, or surface, to the bottom, literally or figuratively.
The lake is extremely deep.
We hiked into a deep valley between tall mountains.
There was a deep layer of dust on the floor; the room had not been disturbed for many years.
In the mid-1970s, the economy went into a deep recession.
We are in deep trouble.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Far in extent in another (non-downwards, but generally also non-upwards) direction away from a point of reference.
The shelves are 30 centimetres deep. — They are deep shelves.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(in combination) Extending to a level or length equivalent to the stated thing.
The water was waist-deep.
There is an arm-deep hole in the wall.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
In a (specified) number of rows or layers.
A crowd three deep along the funeral procession
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Positioned or reaching far, especially down through something or into something.
Diving down to deep wrecks can be dangerous.
I can't get the bullet out – it's too deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Profound, having great meaning or import, but possibly obscure or not obvious.
That is a deep thought!
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Hard to penetrate or comprehend; profound; intricate; obscure.
A deep subject or plot
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Of penetrating or far-reaching intellect; not superficial; thoroughly skilled; sagacious; cunning.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(of a color or flavour) Highly saturated; rich.
That's a very deep shade of blue.
The spices impart a deep flavour to the dish.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(sleep) Sound, heavy (describing a state of sleep from which one is not easily awoken).
He was in a deep sleep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Far, especially far down through something or into something, physically or figuratively.
The ogre lived in a cave deep underground.
We ventured deep into the forest.
His problems lie deep in the subconscious.
I am deep in debt.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(also deeply) In a profound, not superficial, manner.
I thought long and deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(sports) Back towards one's own goal, baseline, or similar.
He's normally a midfield player, but today he's playing deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(cricket) A fielding position near the boundary.
Russell is a safe pair of hands in the deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Extending far below the surface; of great perpendicular dimension (measured from the surface downward, and distinguished from high, which is measured upward); far to the bottom; having a certain depth; as, a deep sea.
The water where the brook is deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Extending far back from the front or outer part; of great horizontal dimension (measured backward from the front or nearer part, mouth, etc.); as, a deep cave or recess or wound; a gallery ten seats deep; a company of soldiers six files deep.
Shadowing squadrons deep.
Safely in harborIs the king's ship in the deep nook.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Low in situation; lying far below the general surface; as, a deep valley.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Hard to penetrate or comprehend; profound; - opposed to shallow or superficial; intricate; mysterious; not obvious; obscure; as, a deep subject or plot.
Speculations high or deep.
A question deep almost as the mystery of life.
O Lord, . . . thy thoughts are very deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Of penetrating or far-reaching intellect; not superficial; thoroughly skilled; sagacious; cunning.
Deep clerks she dumbs.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Profound; thorough; complete; unmixed; intense; heavy; heartfelt; as, deep distress; deep melancholy; deep horror.
An attitude of deep respect.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Strongly colored; dark; intense; not light or thin; as, deep blue or crimson.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Of low tone; full-toned; not high or sharp; grave; heavy.
The bass of heaven's deep organ.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Muddy; boggy; sandy; - said of roads.
The ways in that vale were very deep.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
To a great depth; with depth; far down; profoundly; deeply.
Deep-versed in books, and shallow in himself.
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
That which is deep, especially deep water, as the sea or ocean; an abyss; a great depth.
Courage from the deeps of knowledge springs.
The hollow deep of hell resounded.
Blue Neptune storms, the bellowing deeps resound.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
That which is profound, not easily fathomed, or incomprehensible; a moral or spiritual depth or abyss.
Thy judgments are a great deep.
The deep of night is crept upon our talk.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
The central and most intense or profound part;
In the deep of night
In the deep of winter
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply;
A deep breath
A deep sigh
Deep concentration
Deep emotion
A deep trance
In a deep sleep
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Having great spatial extension or penetration downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or laterally or outward from a center; sometimes used in combination;
A deep well
A deep dive
Deep water
A deep casserole
A deep gash
Deep massage
Deep pressure receptors in muscles
Deep shelves
A deep closet
Surrounded by a deep yard
Hit the ball to deep center field
In deep space
Waist-deep
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Very distant in time or space;
Deep in the past
Deep in enemy territory
Deep in the woods
A deep space probe
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Having or denoting a low vocal or instrumental range;
A deep voice
A bass voice is lower than a baritone voice
A bass clarinet
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
(of darkness) very intense;
Thick night
Thick darkness
A face in deep shadow
Deep night
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Of an obscure nature;
The new insurance policy is written without cryptic or mysterious terms
A deep dark secret
The inscrutible workings of Providence
In its mysterious past it encompasses all the dim origins of life
Rituals totally mystifying to visitors from other lands
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge;
The professor's lectures were so abstruse that students tended to avoid them
A deep metaphysical theory
Some recondite problem in historiography
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Exhibiting great cunning usually with secrecy;
Deep political machinations
A deep plot
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
To far into space;
Penetrated deep into enemy territory
Went deep into the woods
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Deep
Far down from the surface or base.
The divers explored the deep parts of the ocean.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Deep
Showing careful consideration or serious reflection.
His deep thoughts often kept him awake at night.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Deep
Characterized by deep or forceful feelings.
The movie had a deep emotional impact on the audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can a person be superficial?
Yes, describing a person as superficial implies they lack depth or seriousness.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What makes a wound superficial?
A wound is superficial if it affects only the surface of the skin.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What does deep mean in psychology?
In psychology, deep refers to profound understanding or significant emotional depth.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
How do you describe a deep conversation?
A deep conversation involves serious, thoughtful, and profound topics.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is deep learning a technical term?
Yes, in technology, deep learning refers to complex, layered neural networks.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can a relationship be superficial?
A superficial relationship lacks depth, seriousness, and emotional connection.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Do deep voices indicate anything?
Deep voices can suggest maturity and authority, though this varies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
How does one develop deep knowledge?
Deep knowledge is developed through thorough study and understanding.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can a book be deep?
A book can be considered deep if it provides profound insights or complex ideas.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Are superficial injuries serious?
Superficial injuries are generally not serious, affecting only the top layer of skin.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What is a deep thinker?
A deep thinker is someone who engages in serious reflection and consideration.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can superficiality be positive?
Superficiality can be seen as positive in situations requiring a cursory approach.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can a movie be superficial?
A movie can be superficial if it lacks depth, complexity, or serious content.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Does superficiality affect relationships?
Superficiality can negatively impact relationships by preventing deep connections.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
How do you know if someone is superficial?
A superficial person often shows a lack of depth, seriousness, or sincerity.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What does deep sleep mean?
Deep sleep refers to a stage of sleep where a person is less responsive to external stimuli.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Is superficiality common in social media?
Superficiality can be common in social media, focusing on appearances over substance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What is a deep emotion?
A deep emotion is a feeling that is intensely profound and significant.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Can deep conversations be stressful?
Deep conversations can be stressful if they involve intense or difficult topics.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
What's the opposite of superficial?
The opposite of superficial is deep, profound, or thorough.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 28, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
