# genuinely

/ˈdʒɛnˈjuˌwaɪnɫi/ (US) · /dʒˈɛnjuːɪnli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/genuinely
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

truly or honestly. You use this to show that a feeling or quality is real and not fake.

For teachers: in a truthful, sincere, or authentic manner. Often used as an intensifier to emphasize the sincerity of an emotion or the authenticity of a quality.

## Examples

- I am genuinely happy for your success.
- The manager was genuinely surprised when the entire team stayed late to help him finish the project.
- While many companies claim to prioritize sustainability, few are genuinely committed to restructuring their entire supply chain to minimize environmental impact.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is a genuinely person." but "He is a genuine person." — Learners often use the adverb 'genuinely' where the adjective 'genuine' is required to modify a noun.

## Usage notes

- Commonly functions as a degree adverb to modify adjectives; typically placed before the adjective or the main verb.

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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.