cursory

/ˈkɜːsəri/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkɜːrsəri/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkər-sə-rē ˈkərs-/ (ame, mw)

cursory — adjective

  • cursorypositive
  • more cursorycomparative
  • most cursorysuperlative

1. done in a hurry, with very little attention to detail — as if the person only ha

1.形容詞C1
釋義

done in a hurry, with very little attention to detail — as if the person only had time for a brief look rather than proper checking.

例句

Wren gave the contract a cursory glance before signing it on the last page.

cursory + glance for a quick, careless look

After only a cursory inspection of the kitchen, the landlord said the flat was ready.

cursory + inspection in a brief-evaluation context

同義詞
  • perfunctory

    formal; suggests something done only as a duty, without real interest

  • superficial

    stresses staying on the surface, not going deep

  • hasty

    everyday register; focuses on speed more than lack of care

  • hurried

    neutral; describes the manner, not necessarily the quality

反義詞
  • thorough

    covers every detail carefully

  • careful

    general antonym; gives proper attention

  • in-depth

    stresses depth of examination, not just care

文法句型

cursory + noun (glance, look, examination, inspection, reading, check, review, mention)

用法筆記

Almost always attributive (before a noun like 'glance / look / examination / reading / check / mention'); rarely used after 'be'. Carries a mildly critical tone — the speaker thinks more care was needed.

常見錯誤

❌His review was cursory of the new design.
✅He gave the new design a cursory review.
💡'cursory' goes before the noun, not after 'be' with a complement.