genuine

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "genuine" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something real, sincere, or authentic. For example, "She showed genuine kindness to those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a clear signal the Rudd government is preparing for a crackdown on people smugglers ahead of the federal election, Carr said his department was preparing "up to date" information for the immigration tribunals about the political situation in the countries from which refugee applicants come, so they did not approve those who had no genuine fear of persecution.

The Guardian

The university should immediately drop this injunction and enter into a genuine dialogue with students rather than slapping an injunction across campus for a full year without even consulting their students' union".

The Guardian

Scott said he let them enter the country after confirming that their business meeting was genuine.

The Guardian

The route to accelerating Vermont toward genuine progress is uncharted.

The Guardian

Read more stories like this: Abolish GDP in favor of a genuine progress indicator Rethinking prosperity: what is true wealth?

The Guardian

"The absolute genuine joy and respect they had for Farby when they caught up with him for a coffee just spoke volumes.

The Guardian - Sport

"Actor needed for new series set in 1930s Newcastle - only genuine Geordies need apply".

The Guardian

He also said a genuine "tak" to the UK viewers who have been enjoying 1864 because it didn't go down quite as well in his home country.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Amid genuine fears in Berlin that Britain may be on a trajectory towards exit, the German chancellor is expected to say that Britain benefits from its membership of the EU.

The Guardian

On the surface, these could just as easily be a child's whimsy, but genuine hallucinations have a very different flavour.

The Guardian

It was unbearable to watch Miliband (who might not be 100% my cup of tea in lots of ways, and some of his ideas are bonkers, but he is a genuine supporter of women and I'm sure he would put his hand on his heart and say he is a feminist) be lectured by Brand on the uselessness of the female vote.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "genuine" to describe emotions, feelings, or characteristics to emphasize their sincerity and authenticity.

Common error

While "genuine" is versatile, consider using more formal synonyms like "authentic" or "bona fide" in highly formal or business writing to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "genuine" primarily functions to qualify a noun, indicating that something is authentic, real, or sincere. Ludwig examples showcase its use to describe emotions (e.g., "genuine joy"), characteristics (e.g., "genuine supporter"), and objects (e.g., "genuine Geordies").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "genuine" is a versatile term used to describe something authentic, real, or sincere. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its broad applicability, especially in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, it's crucial to consider the specific context and audience when choosing between "genuine" and its synonyms like "authentic" or "sincere". Ludwig AI affirms that the word "genuine" is indeed correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authentic

Focuses on undisputed origin and authorship.

real

Emphasizes the truthfulness and actuality of something.

true

Highlights the correspondence with reality or fact.

sincere

Indicates honesty and lack of deceitfulness in feelings or expressions.

bona fide

Suggests authenticity and good faith, often in a formal or legal context.

unfeigned

Stresses the absence of pretense or artificiality.

legitimate

Implies conformity to the law or to rules.

veritable

Emphasizes the truth or genuineness of something, often used for emphasis.

undisputed

Points out that something is acknowledged to be true.

heartfelt

Implies depth of feeling and sincerity.

FAQs

How can I use "genuine" in a sentence?

You can use "genuine" to describe something that is real, sincere, or authentic. For example, "She expressed a "genuine interest" in my work" or "His "genuine concern" was evident in his actions."

What are some alternatives to the word "genuine"?

Alternatives to "genuine" include "authentic", "real", "sincere", and "bona fide". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "genuine" or "real"?

Both "genuine" and "real" are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Genuine" often implies sincerity and authenticity, while "real" simply means not artificial or fake. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "genuine" and "authentic"?

"Genuine" emphasizes sincerity and lack of pretense, whereas "authentic" stresses undisputed origin or authorship. In some contexts, they can be interchangeable, but "authentic" is often used in more formal situations or to describe objects.