genuine
JEN-yoo-in
/ˈdʒɛnjʊɪn/
Truly what something is said to be; authentic; sincere.
Applies both to real objects (genuine leather) and sincere feelings (genuine gratitude).
The story behind the word. Ancient Roman fathers formally acknowledged newborn babies by placing them on their knee ('genu'). A child so recognized was declared 'genuine'—legitimate and truly belonging to the family.
Word relationships
- authentic: Authentic highlights historical or legal validity; genuine stresses truthfulness of nature.
- real: Real contrasts with imaginary; genuine contrasts with fake, counterfiet, or hypocritical.
- counterfeit: Counterfeit is made fraudulently to deceive.
- fake: Fake is artificially constructed or pretend.
Commonly confused with
- genius: Genius means exceptional intellect; genuine means authentic and true.
Word family
- genuineness (noun): The quality of being authentic.
- genuinely (adverb): Truly and sincerely.
Collocations
- genuine concern
- genuine leather
- genuine effort
- genuine interest
Idioms & expressions
- the real deal
Example sentences
- "Make sure you purchase genuine replacement parts from an authorized dealer." Product authenticity
- "Her genuine interest in her employees made her a beloved manager." Interpersonal relationship
Memory hook
GENUINE sounds like GENU-WINE: fine real wine, not cheap knockoff alcohol. Real deal, born legitimate.
When not to use
Rarely inappropriate, but avoid overusing when specific terms like 'authentic' or 'veracious' add better precision.
Fun facts
- The ancient Roman ritual of putting newborns on the knee is also where we get the word 'genuflect' (to bend the knee).
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