genuinely
Americanadverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of genuinely
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.
Vocabulary lists containing genuinely
A Monster Calls
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Copper Sun
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"The Hunger Games" Vocabulary from Chapter 3
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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.
At the same time, legal experts who have been following the proceedings note that the company might also have been genuinely worried about losing.
From Slate ● Aug. 26, 2026
Tacarra Williams is one of the most genuinely likable comedians out right now.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
“I’m genuinely passionate about my job,” says Jamie Gibson, a 33-year-old flight attendant and chef on private jets who goes by @flightess on Instagram and runs a training platform under the same name.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026
"Ultimately, the most important thing is that people find an approach they'll genuinely use."
From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026
His cheeks got darker, and he seemed genuinely sorry for doing all the work.
From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller
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.
