an authentic figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an authentic figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is genuine, real, or true to its nature, often in contexts related to art, history, or personal identity. Example: "The museum displayed an authentic figure of the ancient warrior, crafted with meticulous attention to detail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And the original violent forest thug has become an authentic figure of the woods and frontier, fighting for the generic good, whatever that is, against the bad (ditto), like a Jimmy Stewart or John Wayne character with a bow and feathered cap.

The New York Times

They've wanted an authentic figure who they perceive doesn't just blow smoke like many of those in Washington, but rather someone who tells it like it is.

Huffington Post

Just in case you're one of those high-minded people who refuses to click on Daily Mail links, the central thrust of Vine's piece is that while she doesn't agree with Rees-Mogg's views on abortion and gay marriage, she thinks his straightforward answers mark him out as an authentic figure in a sea of politically correct wooly liberal snowflake lefty blah blah something about free speech blah.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Miliband's aides are hoping to use the conference speech and a subsequent party political broadcast to project the Labour leader as a grounded, authentic figure with values that will not change.

The Guardian

"But is that an authentic image?

The New York Times

But gross national income (GNI) can offer a far more authentic figure of Scotland's actual, domestic wealth because it counts the wealth kept within the country.

The Guardian

"For us she is a much more authentic figure than to everyone else, as she has been around for several years working on these issues," Conny said.

BBC

Swisher provides the better portrait of Ted Turner, by far the most interesting and authentic figure in the saga.

The New York Times - Books

Considering modern attitudes to Thomas Jefferson, the historian Gordon Wood wrote: We make a great mistake in idolizing and making symbols of authentic figures, who cannot and should not be ripped out of their time and place.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are no authentic figures of honour killings in India but such occurrences are not uncommon.

BBC

Using an HPLC assay, we were unable to detect ADO release from untreated control cells (Figure 4B; an authentic ADO sample is shown in Figure 4C).

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In historical writing, use "an authentic figure" to highlight someone whose actions and motivations are genuinely representative of their time.

Common error

Avoid using "an authentic figure" simply as a generic compliment. Ensure the context genuinely supports the idea of genuineness and truthfulness, not just general approval.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an authentic figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "authentic" modifies the noun "figure". It serves to describe a person or entity characterized by genuineness and realism. Ludwig AI suggests this phrase indicates trustworthiness and believability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an authentic figure" serves to describe someone or something genuine, real, and true to its nature. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and identifies its use across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While not extremely common, this phrase adds depth and credibility to descriptions. Related phrases, such as "a genuine individual" or "a real person", can offer slight nuances in meaning. To leverage this phrase effectively, ensure the context supports the idea of genuineness and avoid using it as a mere compliment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine individual

Replaces "authentic" with "genuine" and "figure" with "individual", emphasizing the person's sincerity.

a real person

Uses "real" instead of "authentic", offering a more straightforward expression of the concept.

a truthful character

Substitutes "authentic" with "truthful" and "figure" with "character", highlighting honesty and integrity.

a credible personality

Replaces "authentic" with "credible" and "figure" with "personality", focusing on believability and trustworthiness.

a legitimate presence

Uses "legitimate" instead of "authentic" and "presence" instead of "figure", suggesting validity and authority.

a bona fide personage

Replaces both terms with more formal synonyms, indicating a distinguished and genuine individual.

a veracious entity

Substitutes "authentic" and "figure" with synonyms that convey truthfulness and existence.

a representative individual

Shifts the focus to someone who accurately reflects a group or set of values, while maintaining a sense of genuineness.

a sincere personality

Emphasizes the honesty and lack of pretense in a person's character.

a pure soul

Conveys authenticity through the idea of uncorrupted or genuine nature.

FAQs

How can I use "an authentic figure" in a sentence?

You can use "an authentic figure" to describe a person or character that feels genuine and true to life. For example, "The biography portrayed Lincoln as "an authentic figure", flaws and all."

What are some alternatives to "an authentic figure"?

Alternatives include "a genuine individual", "a real person", or "a truthful character", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an authentic figure" formal or informal?

"An authentic figure" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in writing that aims to be descriptive and insightful, such as biographies, literary analyses, or news articles.

What qualities make someone "an authentic figure"?

Qualities that contribute to someone being seen as "an authentic figure" include honesty, consistency between words and actions, and a sense of being true to oneself, rather than trying to imitate others.