genuine

[ jen-yoo-in ]

adjective

1. possessing the claimed or attributed character, quality, or origin; not counterfeit; authentic; real:

   genuine sympathy;

   a genuine antique.

2. properly so called:

   a genuine case of smallpox.

3. free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy; sincere:

   a genuine person.

   Synonyms: forthright, frank, honest, open, unaffected, true

4. descended from the original stock; pure in breed:

   a genuine Celtic people.

genuine

/ ˈdʒɛnjʊɪn /

adjective

1. not fake or counterfeit; original; real; authentic
2. not pretending; frank; sincere
3. being of authentic or original stock

Pronunciation Note

Two pronunciations of genuine occur, with a sharp social contrast between them. The usual educated pronunciation is [jen, -yoo-in], with the final syllable unstressed. Among some less educated speakers, especially older ones, genuine is commonly pronounced as [jen, -yoo-ahyn], with a secondary stress on the final syllable, which has the vowel of sign. The latter pronunciation is sometimes used deliberately by educated speakers, as for emphasis or humorous effect.

Derived Forms

• ˈgenuineness, noun
• ˈgenuinely, adverb

Other Words From

• gen·u·ine·ly adverb
• gen·u·ine·ness noun
• non·gen·u·ine adjective
• qua·si-gen·u·ine adjective
• un·gen·u·ine adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of genuine¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin genuīnus “innate, natural,” equivalent to genu, as in ingenuus “native” ( ingenuous ) + -īnus adjective suffix ( -ine ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of genuine¹

C16: from Latin genuīnus inborn, hence (in Late Latin) authentic, from gignere to produce

Synonym Study

See authentic.

Example Sentences

One of Streeting’s team told me: “Wes has approached this issue in a genuine, thoughtful and considerate way, setting out his own view while respecting others’ views.”

From BBC

He maintains that his work always arose from a genuine concern that more people will place an unsustainable burden on the planet.

From Salon

In the fall of 2003, The Social Contract ran an ad encouraging its readers to join the Sierra Club so that they could help elect “leaders who will redirect this vital organization toward genuine environmental stewardship.”

From Salon

That happening is a genuine fear for Mustafa Barghouti, a West Bank-based veteran Palestinian politician who is leader of the Palestinian National Initiative political movement.

From BBC

We can all imagine a leader who appeals to identity issues like religion and immigration while pursuing a program of genuine economic reform.

From Salon

Related Words

• absolute
• bona fide
• certain
• honest
• legitimate
• natural
• palpable
• positive
• pure