genuine
Americanadjective
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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.
Related Words
See authentic.
Other Word Forms
- genuinely adverb
- genuineness noun
- nongenuine adjective
- quasi-genuine adjective
- ungenuine adjective
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"
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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.
But after eight dazzling years, Shohei Ohtani has proven he’s a genuine “all-time great.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026
Israeli security officials said they see a genuine desire in the Lebanese government and military to disarm Hezbollah.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026
While that might not be quite as impressive as all summer in a day, it’s been enough to provide a genuine reset for investors.
From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026
In practice, resale sites offering tickets at inflated values contributes to ticket touting and leaves genuine fans at risk of missing out altogether on tickets to some events.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
Why would a young woman who was treated with genuine decency—even affection, in Mrs. Washington’s view—want to leave an honored position in this great home?
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
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.
