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Definition of perfunctorily - 2 dictionary results

per⋅func⋅to⋅ry

  [per-fuhngk-tuh-ree]
Use perfunctorily in a Sentence
–adjective
1. performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial: perfunctory courtesy.
2. lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic: In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.
Origin:
1575–85; < LL perfūnctōrius negligent, superficial, deriv. of perfungī to do one's job, be done, equiv. to per- per- + fung-, base of fungī to perform, function + -tōrius -tory 1

Related forms:
per⋅func⋅to⋅ri⋅ly, adverb
per⋅func⋅to⋅ri⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1, 2. negligent, heedless, thoughtless, uninterested.

Antonyms:
1, 2. careful, diligent.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To perfunctorily
per·func·to·ry   (pər-fŭngk'tə-rē)   
adj.  

  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.


[Late Latin perfūnctōrius, from Latin perfūnctus, past participle of perfungī, to get through with : per-, per- + fungī, to perform.]
per·func'to·ri·ly adv., per·func'to·ri·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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