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genuine

adjective
gen·​u·​ine | \ ˈjen-yə-wən How to pronounce genuine (audio) , -(ˌ)win, nonstandard -ˌwīn How to pronounce genuine (audio) \

Definition of genuine

1a : actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character genuine vintage wines
b : actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author the signature is genuine
c : sincerely and honestly felt or experienced a deep and genuine love
d : actual, true a genuine improvement
2 : free from hypocrisy or pretense : sincere His apology seemed genuine.
Other Words from genuine Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym How do you pronounce genuine?: Usage Guide Is genuineness the noun form of genuine? More Example Sentences Learn More about genuine

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Other Words from genuine

genuineness \ ˈjen-​yə-​wə(n)-​nəs How to pronounce genuineness (audio) \ noun

Choose the Right Synonym for genuine

authentic, genuine, bona fide mean being actually and exactly what is claimed. authentic implies being fully trustworthy as according with fact an authentic account of the perilous journey ; it can also stress painstaking or faithful imitation of an original. an authentic reproduction authentic Vietnamese cuisine genuine implies actual character not counterfeited, imitated, or adulterated genuine piety genuine maple syrup ; it also connotes definite origin from a source. a genuine Mark Twain autograph bona fide implies good faith and sincerity of intention. a bona fide offer for the stock

How do you pronounce genuine?: Usage Guide

The objection which some commentators make to the pronunciation \ˈjen-yə-ˌwīn\ is perhaps occasioned by the fact that it is more frequent among those with less schooling. However, this variant is heard in the speech of cultured or highly educated speakers sufficiently frequently for it to be recognized as a widespread pronunciation at all social levels. This variant was recorded as early as 1890 and appears to be simply a long-standing spelling pronunciation.

Is genuineness the noun form of genuine?

Many people appear to look up the adjective genuine in this dictionary in an attempt to discover the noun form of the word. The closest the English language comes is the rather unwieldy genuineness, meaning “the quality or state of being genuine.” Some possible alternatives to genuineness include sincerity, honesty, integrity, and truthfulness.

Examples of genuine in a Sentence

But whatever else he is, he is the genuine article. A writer of one terrible book after another, but a writer nonetheless. — Dale Peck, New Republic, 1 July 2002 Having had two brothers, a sister and a brother-in-law die violently, he acquired a genuine identification with suffering, particularly that of what has come to be called the underclass. — George F. Will, New York Times Book Review, 24 May 1998 Like a poem, a genuine essay is made of language and character and mood and temperament and pluck and chance. — Cynthia Ozick, Atlantic, September 1998 There has been a genuine improvement in the economy in recent months. She showed a genuine interest in our work. He has always shown a genuine concern for poor people. a genuine desire to help others She seems to be a very genuine person.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 In a report Thursday, the Daily Mail offered up an argument for why the photo is genuine. — Martha Ross, The Mercury News, "Prince Andrew’s ‘chubby’ fingers prove accuser faked infamous photo with him, friends say," 29 Aug. 2019 Sullivan, an outstanding basketball player, is a genuine threat running and passing. — Mick Mccabe, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan high school football: Mick McCabe's top 25 teams for 2019," 25 Aug. 2019 Pardon Morgan’s language, but her sentiment was genuine. — Helene Elliott, latimes.com, "Women’s World Cup: Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is the saving grace for U.S. in 2-1 win over England," 2 July 2019 Much more important, Jennifer is a deeply genuine person, compassionate and trustworthy. — Zach Murdock, courant.com, "Family, friends of Jennifer Farber Dulos still reeling from ‘nightmare’ as search continues," 21 June 2019 Lala has assembled an ensemble cast that are genuine triple threats, as actors, singers and dancers. — nola.com, "Summer Lyric presents tap-happy love song to Broadway with ‘42nd Street’," 19 June 2019 Steven Crowder is a lot of things, but a genuine threat to public safety is not one of them. — Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, "Crowder Isn’t a Threat to Public Safety," 6 June 2019 The elements of truth and genuine joy for the process are timeless. — Dallas News, "Professor Matthew McConaughey: Oscar-winning actor to teach at University of Texas," 28 Aug. 2019 But if they are validated as genuine, the haul of 374 would increase the total number of planets found in the K2 data by about 50 percent—a remarkable result for a single paper. — Jonathan O'callaghan, Scientific American, "One Search to (Almost) Rule Them All: Hundreds of Hidden Planets Found in Kepler Data," 2 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genuine.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of genuine

circa 1639, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for genuine

Latin genuinus innate, genuine; akin to Latin gignere to beget — more at kin

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genuine

adjective

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