Substantial is a related word that means “of significant size, worth, or importance.” You could
say that by substantiating something, you make it more substantial.
superficial (soo pur FISH ul) adj on the surface only; shallow; not thorough
Mnemonic:If you think you have a SUPER FACE, then you might be SUPERFICIAL, concerned
only with the SURFACE of things.- Tom had indeed been shot, but the wound was superficial; the bullet had merely creased
the tip of his nose. - The mechanic, who was in a hurry, gave my car what appeared to be a superficial tune-
up. In fact, if he checked the oil, he did it without opening the hood.
A person who is superficial can be accused of superficiality:
- The superficiality of the editor’s comments made us think that he hadn’t really read the
manuscript.
undermine (UN dur myne) v to impair; to subvert; to weaken by excavating underneath
Mnemonics:- MINES are UNDER the earth. You would WEAKEN a building by digging
MINES underneath it. - Land MINES UNDER my feet would WEAKEN me.