What does the term "superficial" refer to?

The term "superficial" refers to something that is near the surface or slight in nature. It often describes a situation, characteristic, or analysis that lacks depth or complexity, focusing only on the outermost or most apparent aspects without delving into underlying issues or details. For instance, a superficial understanding of a topic would mean knowing only the basics and not engaging with more intricate elements or implications. This aligns perfectly with the provided answer, highlighting the emphasis on surface-level attributes rather than those that are profound or deeply rooted.