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Synonyms

genuinely

American  
[jen-yoo-in-lee] / ˈdʒɛn yu ɪn li /

adverb

  1. in a way that is real or true; authentically, honestly, or sincerely.

    We encourage children to place themselves in other people’s shoes in order to genuinely understand and empathize with their emotions.

    Ada is volunteering on the campaign because she genuinely believes in the candidate’s goals.


Other Word Forms

  • nongenuinely adverb
  • quasi-genuinely adverb
  • ungenuinely adverb

Etymology

Origin of genuinely

genuine ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

The adverb genuinely describes something done in a way that's real and true. If your friend is genuinely thrilled about your plan to backpack across China next summer, she means it. When you say something genuinely, you're honest. If you're genuinely worried about your friend getting hurt on her motorcycle, you'll beg her to wear a helmet. One theory about the origin of genuinely is that it comes from the Latin word for "knee," genu, referencing a custom of a father acknowledging his paternity by holding his baby on his knee.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing genuinely

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.

Approached genuinely, that framework poses a serious problem for conscription.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

Greer said the manifesto could "genuinely transform" the country, "so that rather than serving the interests of an incredibly wealthy few, it would actually meet the needs of people and planet".

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

"When I saw the incomplete mandibular symphysis, I was genuinely excited," says Professor Benoit.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

In fairness to Caine, his position is genuinely constrained.

From Salon • Apr. 11, 2026

He said he was sorry—because he genuinely was.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin