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

If he did, it could be a sign that our politicians are ready to resume genuine policy-making across party lines.

From The Daily Beast

Public sector unions create a genuine political conundrum for Democrats.

From The Daily Beast

Human vision is as close as we mere mortals will ever come to having a genuine superpower.

From The Daily Beast

Available at Olympic Provisions Mexico: The Cookbook, $33 Is there anything better than genuine Mexican food?

From The Daily Beast

I am holding in my hand a book, bound in black “genuine top-grain” leather.

From The Daily Beast

This had been quite genuine, for the Professor had been fond of his relative, who had always been very good to him.

From Project Gutenberg

A general air of surprise and genuine satisfaction fell upon every one as they saw the pianist enter.

From Project Gutenberg

For who, while tears are falling, will pause to handle the wreaths, and find whether they are genuine?

From Project Gutenberg

It is true that such application is not so high or grand as when they govern ideas, but it is equally genuine.

From Project Gutenberg

To attempt to cut out Mrs. Kaye I should need a little genuine enthusiasm; and frankly, your beloved prodigy does not inspire it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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