authenticity
ah-thehn-TIH-sih-tee
Authenticity (noun) means the quality of being genuine, real, and true to its origin. Example: “Collectors questioned the authenticity of the signed jersey.”
noun
1
The quality of being genuine, real, and true to its origin.
"Collectors questioned the authenticity of the signed jersey."
"The chef prides himself on the authenticity of his grandmother's recipes."
"Experts checked the painting carefully to prove its authenticity before the auction."
How to use authenticity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing genuinely what something claims to be, rather than fake or imitation.
Common pairings
question the authenticity
a stamp of authenticity
cultural authenticity
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Word forms
- Plural
- authenticities
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Collectors questioned the _____ of the signed jersey.
Etymology
From authentic plus the suffix -ity.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for authenticity
See all rhymes for authenticity →Frequently asked questions
What does “authenticity” mean?
The word “authenticity” means the quality of being genuine, real, and true to its origin. In plain terms, being genuinely what something claims to be, rather than fake or imitation.
How do you pronounce “authenticity”?
“Authenticity” is pronounced ah-thehn-TIH-sih-tee (/ɑθɛnˈtɪsɪti/ in IPA).
How do you use “authenticity” in a sentence?
Here is “authenticity” used in a sentence: “Collectors questioned the authenticity of the signed jersey.”
What is the opposite of “authenticity”?
The opposite of “authenticity” — its antonyms — are phoniness, forgery, fakeness and bogosity.
What part of speech is “authenticity”?
“Authenticity” is a noun.
Is “authenticity” a common word?
“Authenticity” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
What is the difference between authenticity and originality?
"Authenticity" refers to the quality of being genuine, real, and true to its origin, while "originality" refers to being new, inventive, or not copied from something else. A reproduction can be original in design but lack authenticity if it isn't genuinely from its claimed source.
What does authenticity mean when applied to art or antiques?
In art and antiques, "authenticity" refers to whether an item is genuinely what it's claimed to be, truly created by the stated artist or from the stated period, rather than a forgery or later copy. Establishing authenticity often involves verifying origin through evidence.
Can authenticity apply to people, not just objects?
Yes, "authenticity" can also describe a person's genuineness, being true to their own character, values, or feelings rather than presenting a false image. This personal sense is common in discussions of identity and self-expression.
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