shallow
/ˈʃaləʊ/
The primary image is a lack of vertical depth, whether physical or metaphorical. In its literal sense, it describes water or containers where the bottom is easily reached. When applied to people or ideas, it carries a strong negative connotation of superficiality. It suggests a person who cares only about appearances (like wealth or beauty) and lacks emotional or intellectual complexity. Unlike 'simple', which can be positive, 'shallow' implies a deficiency or a failure to engage with the truth. In a physiological context, it describes restricted movement—specifically breathing that doesn't reach the lungs' full capacity. This is typically associated with stress, panic, or physical exhaustion.
💬Casual Conversation
David's take on the brand pivot is so shallow. Total fluff.
Fr, he's just coasting while I do all the heavy lifting.
Meanings
"The children played in the shallow end of the swimming pool."
Lacking depth of intellect or knowledge; superficial.
"It was a shallow argument that failed to address the core of the issue."
Not breathing deeply, often due to nervousness or illness.
"Her breathing became shallow and rapid as she grew more anxious."
Collocations & Compounds
shallow water
Noun collocation: an area of water that is not deep
The boat ran aground in the shallow water near the shore.
shallow grave
Noun collocation: a burial site that is not dug deep enough
The investigators discovered a shallow grave in the woods.
shallow understanding
Noun collocation: a superficial grasp of a subject
He has a shallow understanding of the complex political situation.
shallow breathing
Noun collocation: respiration that does not involve deep inhalation
The patient exhibited shallow breathing during the panic attack.
remain shallow
Verb collocation: to stay at a low depth or superficial level
The river tends to remain shallow even during the rainy season.
Etymology
Derived from the Old English scealu, meaning a shallow place or a ford, which evolved from a Proto-Germanic root skal- meaning a shell or a hollow vessel. The term originally described the physical characteristic of water that was not deep enough to be dangerous or impassable, eventually expanding in the Middle English period to describe intellectual or emotional superficiality.