authenticity
Americannoun
Other Word 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.
Everyone has been lovingly shaded in with texture and authenticity — two things that aren’t always pretty.
From Salon • May 1, 2026
Those who already work with him commercially say Pollock has an authenticity and expressiveness that is still rare in rugby.
From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026
When Allende watched the show, she was struck by the landscapes of the country — the vast desert, verdant forests and farmland, snowcapped peaks — its authenticity and flavor.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2026
To borrow a word Bynum uses repeatedly, his performance has a “shining” authenticity.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
He responded promptly, insisting that “this paper is a fabrication,” urging Adams to remain skeptical “until positive and solemn proof of its authenticity shall be provided.”
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
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.
