shallow

The definition of shallow is something that is not deep or someone who is concerned only about silly or inconsequential things.

(adjective)

  1. An example of shallow is a hole that is only an inch deep.
  2. An example of shallow is a person who only cares about someone's looks and how much money they have.

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See shallow in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. not deep: a shallow lake
  2. lacking depth of character, intellect, or meaning; superficial
  3. slight; weak: shallow breathing

Origin: ME shalow < OE *scealw < IE base *(s)kel-, to dry out > shoal, Gr skellein

noun

a shallow place in a body of water; shoal

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make or become shallow

Related Forms:

See shallow in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective shal·low·er, shal·low·est
  1. Measuring little from bottom to top or surface; lacking physical depth.
  2. Lacking depth of intellect, emotion, or knowledge: “This is a shallow parody of America” (Lloyd Rose).
  3. Marked by insufficient inhalation of air; weak: shallow respirations.
  4. In the part of a playing area that is closer to home plate: shallow left field.
noun
A part of a body of water of little depth; a shoal. Often used in the plural: abandoned the boat in the shallows.
tr. & intr.v. shal·lowed, shal·low·ing, shal·lows
To make or become shallow.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English schalowe

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Related Forms:

  • shalˈlow·ly adverb
  • shalˈlow·ness noun

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