Post by t-bob on Jan 18, 2019 13:06:32 GMT -5
perfunctory
adjective
1. performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial: perfunctory courtesy.
2. lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic: In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.
Quotes
Rep. Nancy Pelosi issued what seemed like a perfunctory statement backing her colleagues in Democratic leadership. -- Paul Kane, "House Democratic leaders find strength in numbers to fight challenge to Pelosi," Washington Post, November 20, 2018 ... the House whooped through the beer bill with only perfunctory debate. -- William F. Kerby, "House Passes 3.2 Per Cent Beer Measure," Berkeley Daily Gazette, March 14, 1933
Origin
Perfunctory comes from the Late Latin adjective perfunctōrius “done carelessly or superficially.” Perfunctōrius is a derivative of the verb perfungī “to carry through, discharge one’s part or duty,” a compound of the prefix per- signifying completeness, thoroughness, or intensity and the verb fungī “to perform, discharge, carry out.” It is therefore curious that the Latin adjective (and its English derivative) means “done carelessly” and not “done thoroughly and completely.” Perfunctory entered English in the 16th century.