authenticity
aw-then-TISS-ih-tee
/ˌɔːθenˈtɪsəti/
The quality of being authentic; genuineness.
In tourism, 'authenticity' is often a debated concept—is a dance performed for tourists 'authentic' if it's part of a real tradition?
The story behind the word. The word originally referred to something that was 'authoritative.' If a document was authentic, it had the power of the author behind it. In the modern world, it has shifted to mean something that is 'real' and not a copy.
Word relationships
- genuineness: A more common, less formal word for the same concept.
- validity: Refers to being logically or legally sound.
- artificiality: The state of being man-made or fake.
- insincerity: A lack of genuine feeling (usually for people).
Commonly confused with
- authority: Both share the root 'autos' (self), but authority is power, while authenticity is being true to oneself.
Word family
- authentic (adjective): Of undisputed origin; genuine.
- authenticate (verb): To prove that something is genuine.
Collocations
- cultural authenticity
- strive for authenticity
- lack of authenticity
- historical authenticity
Example sentences
- "Travelers today often prioritize authenticity, seeking out local markets and home-cooked meals rather than tourist traps." Describing a travel experience.
- "Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are." A philosophical take on the word. (Brené Brown)
Memory hook
An 'Author' writes an 'Authentic' story. Authenticity = The real deal.
When not to use
Don't use it to mean 'truthfulness' in a legal sense (that's 'veracity'); use it for the 'realness' of an experience or object.
Fun facts
- The search for 'authenticity' is one of the primary drivers of the modern trillion-dollar travel industry.
Related words
Explore more words
authentic, internalization, Conformity, conform, integrity, volition
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