27 June 2015

perfunctory

[per-fuhngk-tuh-ree]

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.

Origin of perfunctory
Late Latin
1575-1585; < Late Latin perfūnctōrius negligent, superficial, derivative of perfungī to do one’s job, be done, equivalent to per- per- + fung-, base of fungī to perform, function + -tōrius -tory1

Related forms
perfunctorily, adverb
perfunctoriness, noun

Synonyms
1, 2. negligent, heedless, thoughtless, uninterested.

Antonyms
1, 2. careful, diligent.

Dictionary.com

Examples from the web for perfunctory

– Romney…well, honestly, I’m a little surprised there wasn’t even a perfunctory thank you.
(Watch Ed Schultz Tonight! Michael Tomasky March 12, 2013)

– Ronaldo also does more than the perfunctory share of philanthropy that we expect from our athletic superstars.
(Why It’s Still OK to Hate Sexy Bastard Cristiano Ronaldo After He Saved Team USA Emily Shire June 25, 2014)

– When the credits rolled, there was some polite and perfunctory clapping.
(Braving the Atlas Shrugged Crowd Allen Barra April 16, 2011)

Anagram

encrypt four
putrefy corn

Today’s quote

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.

– Helen Keller

On this day

27 June 1880 – birth of Helen Keller, inspirational American author, lecturer and political activist. First deaf-blind person to achieve a Bachelor of Arts degree. Died 1 June 1968.

27 June 1957 – The British Medical Research Council proves a direct link between smoking and lung cancer.