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surface-level understanding

[ˈsɜr.fɪs ˈlev.əl ˌʌn.dɚˈstænd.ɪŋ]
nounpl: surface-level understandings
compreensão superficial
1. a shallow or basic understanding of a subject that lacks depth, detail, or comprehensive knowledge
His surface-level understanding of quantum physics made it difficult for him to follow the advanced discussion.
Sua compreensão superficial da física quântica dificultou o acompanhamento da discussão avançada.
2. knowledge obtained only from obvious or easily accessible information without deeper investigation or analysis
Many students have only a surface-level understanding of historical events because they rely solely on textbooks.
Muitos alunos têm apenas uma compreensão superficial dos eventos históricos porque dependem exclusivamente de livros didáticos.
NYC Slang
shallow understanding / basic knowledge (informal but not distinctly NYC)
Synonyms
shallow understandingsuperficial knowledgebasic graspcursory understandingelementary knowledge
Antonyms
deep understandingprofound knowledgecomprehensive understandingthorough graspin-depth knowledge

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
compreensão superficial
most common usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
entendimento de primeira camada
alternative colloquial expression
São Paulo
compreensão rasa
more formal business context usage
Portugal
compreensão superficial
standard usage, identical to Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

just scratching the surface
skimming the surface
skin-deep understanding
tip of the iceberg
knowing something in passing
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