perfunctory

The word "perfunctory" originates from the late latin perfunctorius, which itself derives from perfunct-, the past participle stem of perfungi, meaning "to accomplish" or "to get through with". The latin components are per- ("through") and fungi ("to perform"). The original sense was neutral, simply describing something that has been completed. However, over time in english, the meaning shifted to emphasize the manner of completion—specifically, doing something merely to get it over with, thus acquiring its modern connotation of superficiality and lack of care. This evolution illustrates how a term for thorough execution came to denote its opposite: a hasty and indifferent discharge of duty.

Structure: per (through) + funct (perform) + ory (adjective suffix) per: a latin prefix meaning "through", "thoroughly", or "to completion". funct: from latin functus, the past participle stem of fungi, meaning "to perform", "to execute", or "to discharge". ory: a latin-derived adjective-forming suffix meaning "pertaining to" or "serving for".