genuinely

American  

[jen-yoo-in-lee] / ˈdʒɛn ju 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.

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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.

Example Sentences

It made sense for him to make that connection, and he genuinely seems to enjoy the sport.

From Salon • Jun. 16, 2026

Harington: Great TV writers genuinely learn their actors as well as their characters, and they tie those things in as it goes through.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 15, 2026

"We have lost a genuinely lovely person who will be remembered with enormous fondness by those who taught and knew her," said Douthwaite.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

"I feel genuinely moved today by the rule of law," Lander told reporters after the verdict.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

And she is genuinely hoping he’s going to play with her.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri

Related Words

• absolutely
• actually
• authentically
• certainly
• fairly
• honestly
• indeed