Genuine
adjective
Definition
1. Real and not fake.
2. Sincere and honest.
2. Sincere and honest.
Context Alive
At the antique market, the seller held up an old watch and promised it was completely genuine, not a cheap copy. The buyer examined it closely, checked the markings, and smiled — everything about it confirmed it was the real thing worth every penny.
Meanings
2 meanings 1 Real / Not Fake (Adjective) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
This meaning is about something being real and exactly what it claims to be. Imagine buying a handbag and wondering if it’s genuine leather or just a cheap imitation, so you check the label and the stitching carefully. This is something being genuine — the real deal, not a copy. You might ask if a painting is a genuine original, or someone could check if their gold necklace is genuine before selling it. Or picture an expert examining an old coin and confirming it’s a genuine antique worth thousands, not a modern reproduction. The word carries a sense of trust and authenticity — the real thing.
Vivid ExampleShe spent weeks researching before finally finding a genuine vintage guitar from the 1960s, and when she played it for the first time, the warm rich sound confirmed it was absolutely the real thing.
2 Sincere and Honest (Adjective) — VERY COMMON Common ▼
This meaning is about a person or their feelings being truly honest and real. Imagine meeting someone new at a party who shows genuine interest in what you’re saying, asking real questions and really listening instead of just being polite. This is being genuine — no act, no pretending. You might feel genuine happiness when a close friend gets great news, or someone could show genuine concern when they hear you’re going through a tough time. Or picture a boss who gives you genuine praise for your hard work, and you can tell by their eyes they truly mean every word. The word suggests warmth, honesty, and being completely real with people.
Vivid ExampleWhen she told him about losing her job, his reaction was full of genuine concern — he sat down, listened carefully, and immediately started helping her look for new opportunities without being asked.
Examples from the Street
“She’s one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met — no games, no drama.”
She’s one of the most honest and authentic people I know — completely straightforward
“Is that bag genuine leather or fake?”
Is that bag made from real animal skin or synthetic material?
“I could tell his apology was genuine — he actually looked upset.”
I could see his apology was sincere — he truly seemed bothered by what he’d done
Common Patterns
a genuine person → someone who is honest, real, and not fake
a genuine smile/laugh → a real, heartfelt expression — not forced or polite
genuine concern/interest/emotion → real, not pretended or performed
seem/sound/feel genuine → come across as sincere and believable
a genuine apology → a truly meant expression of regret
genuinely (adjective/verb) → truly, really (adverb form, extremely common)
genuine leather/silk/gold → real material, not imitation
a genuine article → the real thing, not a copy or counterfeit
genuine (brand name) → an authentic product, not a knockoff
a genuine threat/risk/danger → a real, serious concern — not exaggerated
a genuine reason/excuse → a real, valid justification
Collocations
4 collocationsgenuine concern
real and sincere worry for someone
genuine article
the real thing, not a copy
genuine smile
a truly happy and sincere grin
genuine interest
real curiosity, not pretended
Example Sentences
12 examples
1
He’s such a genuine person — what you see is what you get with him
He’s such an honest, authentic individual — there’s no hidden side or pretence with him.
2
You could tell her smile was genuine because her whole face lit up, not just her mouth
You could see her expression was heartfelt because her entire face brightened, not just her lips.
3
I appreciate your genuine concern, but honestly I’m fine
I value your sincere worry, but truthfully I’m perfectly okay.
4
His apology didn’t sound genuine — it felt like he was just saying what he had to
His expression of regret didn’t come across as sincere — it seemed like he was merely repeating the expected words.
5
Is this watch genuine or is it one of those market knockoffs?
Is this timepiece real or is it one of those cheap imitations they sell at stalls?
6
She showed genuine interest in my work — she asked detailed questions and actually listened
She displayed real curiosity about my job — she posed specific questions and truly paid attention.
7
This is a genuine threat to public safety, not something we can just ignore
This is a real danger to people’s well-being, not something we can simply overlook.
8
I genuinely didn’t know she was upset — nobody told me anything
I truly had no idea she was unhappy — not a single person mentioned it to me.
9
The bag looks expensive but I doubt it’s genuine leather at that price
The bag appears pricey but I question whether it’s real animal skin for that amount of money.
10
He’s one of the few politicians who seems genuine when he talks to ordinary people
He’s one of the rare elected officials who comes across as sincere when he speaks with everyday citizens.
Learner Examples
★
Students can always tell when a teacher’s praise is genuine — they know the difference between real encouragement and empty flattery
Learners can always sense when an instructor’s positive feedback is sincere — they recognise the gap between heartfelt support and meaningless compliments.
★
I have a genuine interest in helping my students speak confidently — it’s not just a job for me
I have a true passion for supporting my learners in expressing themselves with assurance — it’s not merely paid work for me.
Phrasal Verbs & Idioms
2 items Idioms & Expressionsthe genuine article — the real and authentic thing
This handbag is the genuine article — not a cheap copy.
genuine concern — sincere worry about someone
He showed genuine concern when he heard about her injury.
Synonyms & Antonyms
7 items
Synonymsauthentic
real and not fake
sincere
truly meaning what you say
real
not pretend or artificial
honest
truthful in character
Antonymsfake
not real or authentic
insincere
not meaning what you say
phony
pretending to be something you're not