Is half-hearted and perfunctory a synonyms?

While both "half-hearted" and "perfunctory" describe actions done with a lack of enthusiasm or care, they are not exactly synonyms. Here's why:

* Half-hearted: Implies a lack of effort and passion. The action is done with a feeling of indifference or a lack of commitment.

* Perfunctory: Implies a lack of attention and care. The action is done routinely and mechanically, as if it's a mere formality.

Examples:

* Half-hearted: "He gave a half-hearted attempt at the presentation, his voice lacking energy and his words rushed."

* Perfunctory: "She gave a perfunctory nod of acknowledgement, her eyes already focused on her phone."

Key difference:

* Half-hearted focuses on the emotional state of the person performing the action.

* Perfunctory focuses on the manner in which the action is performed.

While they can overlap in some cases, "half-hearted" emphasizes a lack of effort and passion, while "perfunctory" emphasizes a lack of attention and care.