ENGLISH
REFERENCE

authenticity

n.
US //ˌɔθənˈtɪsɪti// UK //ɔːθɪntˈɪsɪti// au·then·tic·i·ty
  1. 1 genuine quality (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of being real or true, and not a copy or a lie.

    the quality of being genuine or not corrupted from the original; having the same origin or attribution as claimed.

    Example

    The museum checked the authenticity of the painting before buying it.

    Example

    Art historians spent months verifying the authenticity of the manuscript, comparing the ink and paper to other documents from the same period.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable; often followed by the preposition 'of'.
    • falseness
    • artificiality
  2. 2 being true to oneself (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    the quality of being honest about your own personality and feelings.

    the degree to which an individual's actions are congruent with their beliefs and desires, despite external pressures.

    Example

    People liked the politician because of her authenticity and direct way of speaking.

    Example

    In modern leadership theory, authenticity is considered a vital trait for building trust and long-term engagement within a team.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is very common in modern psychology and business contexts; it refers to 'being yourself' rather than just 'being real'.
Origin

From authentic + -ity.

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