Crossword Genius

Almost certain aspect will be lacking depth (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

surface

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'lacking depth' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'almost certain aspect' is the wordplay.
'almost' means to remove the last letter (almost the whole word is kept).
'certain' becomes 'sure' (synonyms).
'aspect' becomes 'face' (side of a building).
'sure' with its final letter taken away is 'sur'.
'sur'+'face'='SURFACE'

'will be' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for surface that I've seen before include "skin" , "Facade" , "Outer appearance" , "Top spot" , "Upper limit of liquid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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