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.
We genuinely don’t know yet whether on balance AI will lead to more stability or volatility.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
I genuinely can’t wait for my 30s and 40s.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
Her sixth album, Brat, was the sort of record you could genuinely call era-defining, without being accused of overstating its significance.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
“I’m genuinely glad to see organizations at the national level addressing this gap,” said Samara Tricarico, co-founder of the non-profit Endurant Movement, which works with neurodivergent youth.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
“This will probably sound absurd because you’re genuinely kind and strong and good, but if my life isn’t about keeping other people happy—keeping my dad happy most of all—what do I have, Jupiter?”
From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone
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.
