Reading Theme:
Shallow: Meanings, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：not deep (shallow)
shallow
/ˈʃæləʊ/
adj.
Not deep; having only a short distance from the top to the bottom.
not deep
➕
/nɒt diːp/
adj.
Describing a body of water or a container that has a small distance from the surface to the bottom.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'sceald' meaning not deep, related to Old High German 'scal'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a 'shall' (small) + 'low' (not high) - shallow things are low and small in depth.
📖 Example
The children played safely in the shallow end of the pool where they could easily stand.
The children played safely in the shallow end of the pool, where standing was easy.
🔗 Collocations
shallow water – water that is not deep
shallow end – the part of a swimming pool that is not deep
shallow dish – a dish with a small depth
🔄 Synonyms
superficial (adj.) – relating to the surface; not deep
skin-deep (adj.) – only on the surface; not deep or significant
low (adj.) – measuring a small distance from the bottom
🚫 Antonyms
deep (adj.) – extending far down from the surface
profound (adj.) – very deep; extending far below the surface
bottomless (adj.) – seemingly without a bottom; extremely deep
🌱 Derivatives
shallowness (n.) – the quality of being shallow
shallowly (adv.) – in a shallow manner
shallows (n. pl.) – shallow areas in a body of water
📖 Cultural Story
Shallow originates from Proto-Germanic *skalda- 'shallow'. In modern culture, it's frequently used to describe both physical depth and superficial character, as in Shakespeare's works and common idioms.
Meaning 2：superficial (shallow)
shallow
/ˈʃæləʊ/
adj.
Not showing deep thoughts, feelings, or understanding; interested only in obvious things.
superficial
➕
/ˌsuːpəˈfɪʃəl/
adj.
Lacking depth of thought, emotion, or understanding; concerned only with trivial matters.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He regretted the shallow conversation at the party, which was only about fashion and celebrity gossip.
He regretted the shallow conversation at the party, which was only about fashion and celebrity gossip.
🔗 Collocations
shallow person – someone who lacks depth of character or intellect
shallow thinking – thoughts that do not consider deeper issues
shallow relationship – a relationship based on trivial or superficial matters
🔄 Synonyms
superficial (adj.) – existing or occurring at or on the surface; not thorough or deep
frivolous (adj.) – not having any serious purpose or value; trivial
trivial (adj.) – of little value or importance
🚫 Antonyms
deep (adj.) – profound; intense
profound (adj.) – very great or intense; having deep meaning
meaningful (adj.) – full of meaning; significant
🌱 Derivatives
shallowness (n.) – the quality of being shallow
shallowly (adv.) – in a shallow manner
shallows (n. pl.) – shallow areas in a body of water
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