authenticity
Americannoun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of authenticity
Explanation
Authenticity is the quality of being genuine or real. You might question the authenticity of your eccentric uncle's photo of a UFO. The word authenticity is the state of something being authentic, or legitimate and true. Authenticity is important when the value of something is dependent on where it came from or how it was made. If you buy a ring said to be worn by Marie Antoinette, you will likely pay a hefty price for it. Before you spend all of that money, you should consult with a historian or experienced jeweler, who will be able to verify its authenticity.
Vocabulary lists containing authenticity
This Week in Words: March 23–29, 2019
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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.
To live openly as an LGBTQ+ person in a hostile culture is to choose authenticity over safety, and truth over social reward.
From Salon • Jun. 5, 2026
She's not the first star to claim that authenticity can be the key to breaking through with more savvy and social media-focused audiences.
From BBC • May 25, 2026
“There’s an authenticity to noir. Nothing is just black or white. Everything is chiaroscuro and there’s complexity and depth and nuance to each of the characters,” Cage explains.
From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2026
"It's so important, I think it gives a specificity and authenticity to the show that I feel is an accurate representation of Wales today," she said.
From BBC • May 19, 2026
“Well, the church has not verified the authenticity of the apparitions,” Papa said, staring thoughtfully at his plate.
From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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.
