# genuine

/ˈdʒɛnˈjuˌwaɪn/ (US) · /dʒˈɛnjuːɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/genuine
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. real and not fake

adjective · CEFR B2

real and exactly what it appears to be; not a fake or a copy.

For teachers: authentic and possessing the claimed character, origin, or purity; not counterfeit or spurious.

- The shop owner guaranteed that the diamond ring was genuine and not a glass copy.
- The museum curator spent months verifying that the painting was a genuine Rembrandt rather than a high-quality nineteenth-century imitation.

Usage: Often used to describe materials like leather, fur, or antique items.

### 2. honest and sincere

adjective · CEFR B2

honest and sincere in the way you behave or feel.

For teachers: sincere and honest in character or emotion; free from hypocrisy or affectation.

- He showed genuine concern for his friend's health by visiting him every day.
- Her apology seemed genuine, as she took full responsibility for the error without offering any defensive excuses.

### 3. original or native

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal

belonging to the original group or type.

For teachers: belonging to or proceeding from the original stock; native or pure-bred.

- The scientist studied the genuine local plants that had grown there for centuries.
- The researchers sought to identify the genuine descendants of the island's first inhabitants to better understand the historical migration patterns.

Usage: Usually found in technical or biological contexts regarding origins.

## Examples

- The museum confirmed that the painting is genuine.
- She showed genuine concern for her neighbor's health by visiting him every day.
- Distinguishing between a genuine antique and a high-quality reproduction requires a keen eye for the subtle patinas that only centuries of oxidation can produce.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.