perfunctory

Definitions

per- (through) + functus (performed) + -ory (adj.) = 'just performed through.' Originally 'carried all the way through,' it soured into 'done merely to get through it' — performing a task mechanically, only to discharge the obligation, with no care or sincerity.

Why It Means This

Perfunctory carries built-in disapproval. The Latin idea was 'to perform all the way through,' but it shifted to 'go through the motions just to be done with it.' So a perfunctory greeting, kiss, or review isn't warm or thorough — it's discharged like a chore. You almost never use it as praise; calling something perfunctory criticizes how half-hearted and mechanical it was.

Common Collocations

• 1.perfunctory nod敷衍的点头
• 2.perfunctory apology敷衍的道歉
• 3.perfunctory greeting敷衍的问候
• 4.perfunctory manner敷衍的态度
• 5.perfunctory check走过场的检查

Example Sentences

• 1.

  He gave a perfunctory nod and walked straight past us.

• 2.

  The waiter offered a perfunctory apology and disappeared.

• 3.

  The inspection was perfunctory, lasting barely two minutes.

• 4.

  She skimmed the report with perfunctory attention.

Easily Confused

perfunctory vs cursory — Both mean 'hasty and shallow,' but perfunctory stresses lack of care/sincerity (going through the motions of a duty), while cursory stresses lack of thoroughness/depth (a quick, surface-level look). A cursory glance is just fast; a perfunctory apology is fast and heartless.