How to pronounce superficial
Say it like soo-per-FISH-ul. Superficial has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FISH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce superficial. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- soo
- per
- FISH
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Superficial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- sooGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- FISHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of superficial
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: soo-puh-FISH-ul.
What does superficial mean?
- concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually“superficial similarities”“a superficial mind”
- of, affecting, or being on or near the surface“superficial measurements”“the superficial area of the wall”
- of little substance or significance“a few superficial editorial changes”“only trivial objections”
Where does superficial come from?
Borrowing from Late Latin superficiālis (“of or belonging to the surface”), from superficiēs (“top, surface”) + -ālis (“-al”, adjectival suffix).
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with superficial
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of superficial.
Questions about saying superficial
How do you pronounce superficial?
Say soo-per-FISH-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˌsupɚˈfɪʃəl/. In British English it is /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in superficial?
Superficial has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (FISH). Broken into parts: soo · per · FISH · ul.
Is superficial pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/ (soo-puh-FISH-ul).