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

He offered sincere apologies for the actions of the ambulance service.

From BBC

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery – and now we have Arne Slot's Liverpool repeating the old Ferguson punishment as they relentlessly pursue victories and trophies.

From BBC

A contingent of parents say their sincere religious beliefs prevent them from getting their children vaccinated.

From Los Angeles Times

But “Essex Honey” nearly never came to be because of the sincere love affair he has with his music and, specifically, the concept of “meaning.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement Belfast City Council, who operate Boucher Playing Fields, said it "was deeply saddened by the death" and added that it sent "sincere condolences to the young person's family at this difficult time".

From BBC

Related Words

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