Meaning
Cursory means something done quickly and without giving enough attention to detail. It often suggests a lack of thoroughness or depth.
Grammar and Usage
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Part of speech: Adjective
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Usage: Describes actions, looks, examinations, or reviews that are quick and superficial.
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Typical structures:
- a cursory glance
- a cursory examination
- a cursory review of the report
Common Phrases
- a cursory glance
- a cursory examination
- a cursory reading
- a cursory inspection
Collocations
- adjective + noun: cursory glance, cursory check, cursory look, cursory review
- verb + cursory: give a cursory look, take a cursory glance
Examples
- She gave the document only a cursory glance before signing it.
- His cursory explanation left many questions unanswered.
- The inspector carried out a cursory check of the equipment.
- After a cursory reading of the article, he moved on to something else.
- The teacher’s cursory feedback was not very helpful.
- A cursory review of the data shows a potential problem.
- They took a cursory tour of the museum before leaving.
- His cursory attitude made others think he wasn’t serious about the project.
Synonyms or Related
- superficial
- hasty
- brief
- perfunctory
- hurried
Antonym
- thorough
- detailed
- careful
- meticulous
