Cursory

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈkɜːrsəri/ (KUR-suh-ree)

Definitions

• Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.
• Performed with little attention to detail.

Usage Examples

• He gave a cursory glance at the report before the meeting.
• A cursory inspection of the car revealed no major issues.
• Her cursory apology did not seem sincere.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word cursor meaning "runner," from currere meaning "to run." It entered English in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Superficial
• Brief
• Hasty
• Perfunctory
• Sketchy

Antonyms

• Thorough
• Detailed
• Comprehensive
• Meticulous
• In-depth

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, "cursory" is pronounced with a soft "r," while in American English, the "r" is more pronounced.

Historical Usage

The term has been used in English literature since the 17th century to describe things done quickly and without attention to detail.

Cultural Nuances

In professional settings, a "cursory" review of documents or reports may indicate carelessness, while in everyday conversation, it suggests a quick look at something.

More Information

"Cursory" is often used in formal and academic writing to criticize work that lacks depth or thoroughness. It is commonly used in fields such as research, journalism, and quality control.