different between perfunctorily vs perfunctory

English

Etymology

perfunctory +? -ly

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /p???f??kt(?)??li/

Adverb

perfunctorily (comparative more perfunctorily, superlative most perfunctorily)

1. In a perfunctory manner, without interest or concern for quality.

   • And it was while all were passionately intent upon the pleasing and snake-like progress of their uncle that a young girl in furs, ascending the stairs two at a time, peeped perfunctorily into the nursery as she passed the hallway—and halted amazed.

Translations

English

Etymology

From Late Latin perfunct?rius, from the past participial stem of perfungor, perfunct- (“perform, carry through”), from per- + fungor.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /p??f??k.t(?)??/
• (US) IPA^(key): /p??f??k.t?.i/

Adjective

perfunctory (comparative more perfunctory, superlative most perfunctory)

1. Done only or merely to conform to a minimal standard or to fulfill a protocol or presumptive duty .

   Synonyms: automatic, cursory, obligatory, pro forma, token, unthinking

   • 1975, Saul Bellow, Humboldt's Gift [Avon ed., 1976, p. 338]:

     He then poured some wine for me to taste, and harassed me with perfunctory courtesies that had to be acknowledged.
2. Performed in a careless or indifferent manner as a thing of rote.

   Synonyms: haphazard, mechanical, slipshod

   Antonyms: careful, complete, thorough

Related terms

• perfunctorily
• perfunctoriness

Translations

See also

• pro forma