perfunctory

The definition of perfunctory is done in a routine manner, without much care or attention.

(adjective)

  1. An example of perfunctory is a quick check of a car by a rental agency.
  2. An example of perfunctory is a businessman who signs letters without reading them.

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See perfunctory in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. done without care or interest or merely as a form or routine; superficial: a perfunctory examination
  2. without concern or solicitude; indifferent: a perfunctory teacher

Origin: LL perfunctorius < L perfunctus, pp. of perfungi, to get rid of, discharge < per-, intens. + fungi, to perform: see function

Related Forms:

See perfunctory in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Done routinely and with little interest or care: The operator answered the phone with a perfunctory greeting.
  2. Acting with indifference; showing little interest or care.

Origin:

Origin: Late Latin perfūnctōrius

Origin: , from Latin perfūnctus

Origin: , past participle of perfungī, to get through with

Origin: : per-, per-

Origin: + fungī, to perform

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Related Forms:

  • per·funcˈto·ri·ly adverb
  • per·funcˈto·ri·ness noun

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