sincere

[sin-seer]

adjective

sincerer, sincerest 

1. free of deceit, hypocrisy, or falseness; earnest.

   a sincere apology.

   Synonyms: unaffected, guileless, open, honest, candid, frank
   Antonyms: false

2. genuine; real.

   a sincere effort to improve; a sincere friend.

   Antonyms: false

3. pure; unmixed; unadulterated.

4. Obsolete.,  sound; unimpaired.

sincere

/ sɪnˈsɛrɪtɪ, sɪnˈsɪə /

adjective

1. not hypocritical or deceitful; open; genuine

   a sincere person

   sincere regret

2. archaic,  pure; unadulterated; unmixed

3. obsolete,  sound; whole

Other Word Forms

• sincerely adverb
• sincereness noun
• quasi-sincere adjective
• quasi-sincerely adverb
• sincerity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sincere¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin sincērus “pure, clean, untainted”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sincere¹

C16: from Latin sincērus

Synonym Study

See earnest ¹.

Example Sentences

"This was an unfortunate error for which I express my sincere regret."

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The Freeman said in a statement to the BBC that it offered its "sincere condolences" to Greg's family and it was investigating his case.

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"On behalf of Durham Constabulary I wish to publicly offer my sincerest apologies to those victims and their families for those failures," she said.

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On behalf of the BBC Board I want to extend my sincere gratitude to both of them for their unwavering service and commitment to the BBC.

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It produces bursts of creativity alongside sincere worries about bubbles, risk and job displacement.

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Related Words

• candid 
• earnest 
• for real 
• forthright 
• genuine 
• heartfelt 
• outspoken 
• real 
• serious 
• true 
• trustworthy