What does cursorily mean?
Cursorily is an adverb meaning in a hasty, superficial, or perfunctory manner — doing something quickly without giving it the care or attention it deserves. Derived from the same root as 'cursor' (from the Latin currere, 'to run'), it literally suggests moving across something rather than dwelling on it. The word most often appears when criticizing how someone has read, examined, or reviewed material: one might glance cursorily at a report, skim a document cursorily, or inspect evidence cursorily. Because it implies negligence or insufficient rigor, it frequently carries a critical or disapproving tone, especially in formal writing about work quality, legal review, or scholarly diligence. Its opposite in spirit is doing something thoroughly or meticulously. Though not an everyday word in casual speech, it is common enough in professional, academic, and journalistic contexts that recognizing it helps readers detect when a writer is faulting the depth of someone's attention. A useful word for describing exactly what it accuses others of: a quick pass over something that deserved more.
adverbIn a hasty, superficial manner; done quickly and without proper attention to detail.
- In a rapid and superficial way, without careful attention or thoroughness.
"The inspector cursorily glanced over the paperwork before signing off on the report."
"She cursorily skimmed the contract, missing the clause that would later cost her thousands."
"He nodded cursorily at the report during the meeting, clearly having given it only the briefest of reads."
Cursorily comes from the Latin word for 'running' — so when you skim a document in a rush, you're literally reading it 'on the run.'
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cursorily
Cursorily derives from the adjective cursory, which entered English in the early seventeenth century from Late Latin cursorius, meaning 'relating to running,' itself from Latin currere, 'to run.' The adverb form developed alongside the adjective to describe actions performed in that running, hurried fashion. It shares this Latin root with related English words such as cursive, cursor, and corridor, all ultimately tracing back to the idea of swift movement.
Related word forms
How cursorily is actually used
Formal to neutral register; carries a mildly negative connotation of carelessness or insufficient diligence. Often used to criticize someone's review, reading, or inspection of something as inadequate.
Easily confused with cursorily
Curiously means with curiosity or in a strange manner, while cursorily means hastily and superficially — the words share only a superficial sound resemblance.