- Today's Word
Cursory
KUR-suh-ree
Definition
- (adjective) Done quickly and without enough attention to detail; superficial.
Example
He gave the contract only a cursory glance before signing, which later proved to be a costly mistake.
Fun Fact
“Cursory” comes from the Latin cursor, meaning “runner,” which reflects its association with speed. While efficiency is valuable, a cursory approach can sometimes lead to errors—whether it’s skimming an important email, rushing through an exam, or speed-reading a recipe and realizing too late that you needed baking soda instead of baking powder!
(verb) To obtain something by persuasion, scheming, or clever manipulation.
He managed to wangle an invitation to the exclusive event through a friend of a friend.
Late 19th century: originally printers’ slang, possibly an alteration of “waggle” meaning “to move unsteadily,” suggesting indirect or roundabout methods.