adj
genuine
JEHN-yoo-ihn
adj
1
Real and authentic, not fake or imitation.
"The dealer confirmed the painting was a genuine Rembrandt."
"She wore a genuine leather jacket."
2
Sincere and honest in feeling or character.
"His apology sounded genuine."
How to Use Genuine
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe real thing, or someone truly sincere rather than putting on an act.
Common mistake
Not to be confused with ingenuous, which means naive or innocently open.
Easily confused with
ingenuous
Common pairings
genuine interest
genuine concern
genuine article
Word Forms
more genuine comparative, most genuine superlative
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The dealer confirmed the painting was a _____ Rembrandt.
Etymology
From Latin genuinus ("innate, natural"), related to genus ("birth, origin").