NAHPUSA National Medical Assistant (MA) Practice Exam

The term "superficial" refers to something that is situated on the surface or is not deep. Therefore, the opposite of superficial would be a characteristic that indicates depth or substantiality. The correct response is "deep," as it directly contrasts with superficiality by implying that something extends far below the surface or is more profound in nature. In various contexts, whether discussing physical characteristics, emotional depth, or intellectual engagement, "deep" conveys a sense of thoroughness and significance that is absent in superficial aspects.

The other options do not serve as direct opposites. "Shallow" also relates to a lack of depth, aligning closely with the definition of superficial. "Fragile" describes something that is delicate or easily broken, which does not pertain to the concept of depth. "Translucent" refers to a property of material that allows light to pass through but prevents clear visibility, which again is unrelated to the idea of superficiality versus depth. Hence, "deep" is the term that accurately embodies the opposite of superficial.