surface change
[/ˈsɜːrfɪs tʃeɪndʒ/]
nounpl: surface changes
mudança superficial
1. A change or modification that affects only the outer layer or appearance of something, without altering its fundamental nature or core structure
The company made only surface changes to its policies, leaving the underlying problems unresolved.
A empresa fez apenas mudanças superficiais em suas políticas, deixando os problemas subjacentes sem resolver.
2. In linguistics and grammar, a change in the external form of a sentence or word structure without changing its deep meaning
The transformation from active to passive voice represents a surface change in sentence structure.
A transformação da voz ativa para passiva representa uma mudança superficial na estrutura da frase.
3. A physical or visible alteration to the exterior of an object, material, or landscape
Years of weathering caused surface changes to the ancient stone monument.
Anos de intempéries causaram mudanças superficiais no monumento de pedra antigo.
The concept of 'surface change' is particularly relevant in Brazilian Portuguese discourse about social and political reform, where the term 'mudança superficial' is commonly used to critique policies that appear to address problems without genuine structural reform. In English-speaking contexts, it reflects a cultural emphasis on distinguishing between appearance and substance, often used critically in business, science, and social commentary.
NYC Slang
surface-level fix
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