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

As Stracke describes it, their friendship is genuine, with the tenderness and hiccups of any dynamic.

From Los Angeles Times

Carsley may have that one big regret – but there has been much he can reflect on with genuine pleasure and pride.

From BBC

Reforming the social care system in England is "urgent", cabinet minister Louise Haigh has said, after sources told the BBC there was a "genuine impasse" at the top of government over the issue.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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