What does "sincere" mean?

1. (honest and genuine) honest and real; you use this to describe a person who truly means what they say. 2. (heartfelt feelings) describes a feeling or a message that is deeply felt and true.

How do you use "sincere"?

Often used to describe a person's character or their specific apology or promise. Commonly collocates with 'belief', 'desire', 'hope', or 'sympathy'.

sincere

adj.

US //sɪnˈsɪɹ// UK //sɪnsˈiə// sin·cere

1 honest and genuine (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

honest and real; you use this to describe a person who truly means what they say.

characterising a person or their actions as genuine and free from pretence.

Example

He gave a sincere apology for being late, and I could tell he really felt bad.

Example

She is a sincere person who never hides her true feelings, even when the truth is difficult for others to hear.

Usage

Often used to describe a person's character or their specific apology or promise.
- insincere
- fake
- hypocritical
2 heartfelt feelings (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

describes a feeling or a message that is deeply felt and true.

describing an emotion, belief, or statement that is deeply felt and earnestly intended.

Example

Please accept my sincere thanks for all the help you gave me this week.

Example

The ambassador expressed his sincere hope that the two nations could reach a peaceful agreement before the end of the year.

Usage

Commonly collocates with 'belief', 'desire', 'hope', or 'sympathy'.
- shallow
- forced

Origin

From Middle French sincere, from Latin sincerus (“genuine”), from Proto-Indo-European sem- (“together”) (whence English sam) + ḱer- (“grow”) (whence Latin Ceres, the goddess of harvest, etymon of cereal). Not from sine (“without”) + cera (“wax”), a folk etymology; see Wikipedia page.