First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1shallow
adjective shal·low \ˈsha-(ˌ)lō\
: having a small distance to the bottom from the surface or highest point
: not going far inward from the outside or the front edge of something
: not caring about or involving serious or important things
Full Definition of SHALLOW
1
: having little depth <shallow water>
2
: having little extension inward or backward <office buildings have taken the form of shallow slabs — Lewis Mumford>
3
a : penetrating only the easily or quickly perceived <shallow generalizations> b : lacking in depth of knowledge, thought, or feeling <a shallow demagogue>
4
: displacing comparatively little air : weak <shallow breathing>
— shal·low·ly \-lō-lē, -lə-lē\ adverb
— shal·low·ness noun
See shallow defined for English-language learners
See shallow defined for kids
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Origin of SHALLOW
Middle English schalowe; probably akin to Old English sceald shallow — more at skeleton
Synonym Discussion of SHALLOW
superficial, shallow, cursory mean lacking in depth or solidity. superficial implies a concern only with surface aspects or obvious features <a superficial analysis of the problem>. shallow is more generally derogatory in implying lack of depth in knowledge, reasoning, emotions, or character <a light, shallow, and frivolous review>. cursory suggests a lack of thoroughness or a neglect of details <gave the letter only a cursory reading>.
2shallow
verb
Definition of SHALLOW
transitive verb : to make shallow
intransitive verb
: to become shallow
First Known Use of SHALLOW
1510
3shallow
noun
Definition of SHALLOW
: a shallow place or area in a body of water —usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction
First Known Use of SHALLOW
1569
Related to SHALLOW
- Synonyms
- ford, shallow(s)
Other Geology Terms
SHALLOWLY Defined for Kids
1shallow
adjective shal·low \ˈsha-lō\
shal·low·ershal·low·est
Definition of SHALLOW for Kids
1
: not deep <a shallow stream>
2
: taking in small amounts of air <shallow breaths>
3
: showing little knowledge, thought, or feeling <They're shallow people only interested in money.>
— shal·low·ness noun
2shallow
noun
Definition of SHALLOW for Kids
: a shallow place in a body of water —usually used in pl.
Medical Dictionary
shallow
adjective shal·low \ˈshal-(ˌ)ō, -ə(-w)\
Medical Definition of SHALLOW
: displacing comparatively little air <shallow breathing>
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