Meaning & Definition of word "Shallow"

Shallow

/ˈʃæl.oʊ/

noun:

  • 1. the state of being shallow; a shallow area.
    • Example: The fisherman anchored his boat in the shallow of the river.

adjective:

  • 1. of little depth; not deep.
    • Example: The water in the lake is too shallow for swimming.
  • 2. lacking intellectual depth or substance.
    • Example: The discussion was surprisingly shallow and offered no real insights.
  • 3. not having a strong or profound character or quality.
    • Example: His shallow personality made it difficult for him to connect with others.

Etymology

Middle English: from the word 'shallow' and Middle Dutch 'schalow'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

shallow water:

water that is not deep.

shallow end:

the part of a swimming pool that is not deep.

shallow thinking:

thinking that lacks depth or seriousness.

Related Words

depth:

the distance from the top or surface to the bottom of something.

surface:

the outside or exterior of something.

superficiality:

the quality of being superficial.

Slang Meanings of shallow

Meaning: Someone who is overly concerned with appearances or superficial things.

Example Sentence: She's so shallow, all she talks about is fashion.

Meaning: A phrase to describe actions or thoughts that lack depth.

Example Sentence: That party was really shallow, it felt like nobody had anything real to say.