genuine
Americanadjective
-
possessing the claimed or attributed character, quality, or origin; not counterfeit; authentic; real.
genuine sympathy;
a genuine antique.
-
properly so called.
a genuine case of smallpox.
-
free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy; sincere.
a genuine person.
- Synonyms:
- forthright, frank, honest, open, unaffected, true
-
descended from the original stock; pure in breed.
a genuine Celtic people.
adjective
-
not fake or counterfeit; original; real; authentic
-
not pretending; frank; sincere
-
being of authentic or original stock
Pronunciation
Two pronunciations of genuine occur, with a sharp social contrast between them. The usual educated pronunciation is , with the final syllable unstressed. Among some less educated speakers, especially older ones, genuine is commonly pronounced as , 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.
Synonym Usage
See authentic.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of genuine
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin genuīnus “innate, natural,” equivalent to genu, as in ingenuus “native” ( see ingenuous) + -īnus adjective suffix ( see -ine 1)
Explanation
Genuine things are true or authentic. When you're talking about people, being genuine has to do with being sincere. This word has to do with things and people that are true. A genuine blonde is a real blonde — no hair dye involved. A genuine friend is a real friend you can trust when the chips are down. Genuine feelings are real feelings — not fake feelings put on as a show. A genuine hundred dollar bill is the real McCoy, not a counterfeit bill. When something is the real thing, it's genuine.
Vocabulary lists containing genuine
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 2
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The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
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The Real Deal: Synonyms for "True"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Many of the votes that Abelardo received are not genuine," Isabella Giraldo, who works in her family business, told AFP.
From Barron's • Jun. 22, 2026
Communication allows animals to distinguish between partners that offer a genuine service and those that might take advantage of them.
From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026
The first time it happened, I laughed with genuine delight.
From Slate • Jun. 20, 2026
Bedford Hospital and Luton and Dunstable University Hospital have asked people to avoid attending their emergency departments "unless they have a genuine medical emergency".
From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026
Could Mr. Smiley’s musical saw be a genuine Wonder of Sassafras Springs?
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
