genuine

Definitions

From Latin genuinus, 'innate, natural, native' (gen 'born' + -ine). Something genuine is true to its birth — what it was born to be, not faked or swapped out. From 'inborn' came both senses: genuine leather (the real material) and genuine concern (a feeling that is truly yours).

Why It Means This

The jump from 'inborn' to 'authentic/sincere' mirrors how native and natural also come to mean 'the real thing.' If something is genuine, nobody manufactured a fake stand-in for it — it grew into being on its own. That's why it covers both objects (genuine diamond) and feelings (genuine smile).

Common Collocations

• 1.genuine interest真诚的兴趣
• 2.genuine concern真诚的关怀
• 3.genuine leather真皮
• 4.genuine smile真诚的微笑

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She showed genuine concern for the stranded passengers.

• 2.

  Make sure the bag is made of genuine leather before you pay.

• 3.

  His surprise looked completely genuine.

Easily Confused

genuine vs authentic vs real — genuine stresses 'not faked, sincere' (genuine apology); authentic stresses 'of verified origin' (authentic Italian food, an authentic Picasso); real is the broad everyday word. For feelings, use genuine, not authentic.