cursory

The word 'cursory' originates from the Late Latin 'cursorius', meaning "of a runner," which itself derives from Latin 'cursor' (runner). The core root is the Latin verb 'currere', meaning "to run," a verb with deep Proto-Indo-European ancestry in the root kers- (to run). The literal sense of running evolved metaphorically into the concept of moving rapidly over a surface or through a task. Thus, the modern meaning of 'cursory'—performed with the speed but also the superficial attention of a runner passing over ground—logically extends from its etymological components: a "running" (-curs) "characteristic" (-ory).

Structure: curs (run) + ory (adjective suffix) - curs: From Latin 'cursus' (a running, course), from the verb 'currere' (to run). In this word, it functions as a bound root conveying the sense of rapid movement. - ory: A suffix of Latin origin ('-orius') used to form adjectives meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by" the action of the root.