Cursory
Etymology
From Latin “cursorius,” of a runner, from “currere,” to run — the same root behind “cursor,” “course,” and “courier.” A cursory glance is, literally, a running one: it passes over the surface at speed and lingers nowhere.
adjective · /KUR-suh-ree/
Done quickly and without attention to detail.
What it names
The hasty once-over — an inspection or reading that moves too fast to catch what matters.
Example
A cursory read of the contract missed the clause that let them raise the price at will.
Related idea
A cursory look skims the surface; a granular one goes into the grain. The cursory reviewer sees the shape; the granular one sees the parts.