01 a. Done merely to get rid of a duty; performed mechanically and as a thing of rote; done in a careless and superficial manner; characterized b…
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1.
Done merely to get rid of a duty; performed mechanically and as a thing of rote; done in a careless and superficial manner; characterized by indifference; as, perfunctory admonitions; a perfunctory greeting.
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2.
Hence: Mechanical; indifferent; listless; careless.