The difference between Proper and Superficial

When used as adjectives, proper means suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances, whereas superficial means of or pertaining to the surface.

Proper is also adverb with the meaning: properly.

Superficial is also noun with the meaning: a surface detail.

check bellow for the other definitions of Proper and Superficial

  1. Proper as an adjective:

    Suitable. Suited or acceptable to the purpose or circumstances; fit, suitable. Following the established standards of behavior or manners; correct or decorous.

    Examples:

    "the proper time to plant potatoes"

    "a very proper young lady"

  2. Proper as an adjective:

    Possessed, related. Used to designate a particular person, place, or thing. Proper nouns are usually written with an initial capital letter. Pertaining exclusively to a specific thing or person; particular. In the strict sense; within the strict definition or core (of a specified place, taxonomic order, idea, etc). Belonging to oneself or itself; own. Portrayed in natural or usual coloration, as opposed to conventional tinctures. Being strictly part of some other (not necessarily explicitly mentioned, but of definitional importance) thing, and not being the thing itself. Eigen-; designating a function or value which is an eigenfunction or eigenvalue.

    Examples:

    "usex [[proper subset]] — [[proper ideal]]"

  3. Proper as an adjective:

    Accurate, strictly applied. Excellent, of high quality; such as the specific person or thing should ideally be. (Now often merged with later senses.) Attractive, elegant. In the very strictest sense of the word. Utter, complete.

    Examples:

    "Now that was a proper breakfast."

    "When I realized I was wearing my shirt inside out, I felt a proper fool."

  1. Proper as an adverb (UK, colloquial):

    properly; thoroughly; completely

  2. Proper as an adverb (nonstandard, colloquial):

    properly

  1. Superficial as an adjective:

    Of or pertaining to the surface.

  2. Superficial as an adjective:

    Being near the surface.

  3. Superficial as an adjective:

    Shallow, lacking substance.

  4. Superficial as an adjective:

    At face value.

  5. Superficial as an adjective (rare):

    Two-dimensional; drawn on a flat surface.

  1. Superficial as a noun (chiefly in plural):

    A surface detail.

    Examples:

    "He always concentrates on the superficials and fails to see the real issue."

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