genuine
gb/d͡ʒˈɛnjuɪn/ us/d͡ʒˈɛnjuɪn/
B1
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Real and authentic
Real and not false or copied.
Usage pattern:
[something] is genuine
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'genuine' with 'generous'; they are unrelated in meaning.
Synonyms
authentic (Often used for objects or documents that are verified as real.)
Antonyms
fake (Made to look like something real but not actually real.)
Collocations
genuine product
|genuine leather
|genuine article
|genuine diamond
Themes
daily life
|business
|shopping
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- This watch is genuine gold, not plated.
- The signature on the contract is genuine.
- They only sell genuine leather bags at that store.
- Is this painting genuine or a reproduction?
- She assured me the offer was genuine.
Learner examples
- This bag is made of genuine leather.
- The diamond is genuine, not glass.
- The photo is genuine, not changed.
- I bought a genuine watch from the store.
- His passport is genuine.
adjective
B1
property
2
Sincere and heartfelt
Showing true feelings and not pretending.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is genuine
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'genuine' here when they mean 'generous'; remind them 'genuine' refers to truth or sincerity, not giving.
Synonyms
sincere (Focuses more on honesty in speech and intention.)
Antonyms
insincere (Pretending to have certain feelings but not really meaning them.)
Collocations
genuine smile
|genuine interest
|genuine concern
|genuine friendship
Themes
emotions
|relationships
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He gave me a genuine smile when I arrived.
- Her apology was genuine and heartfelt.
- I believe she has a genuine interest in helping the community.
- His concern for the children was genuine.
- That was a genuine act of kindness.
Learner examples
- She gave me a genuine smile.
- His love for animals is genuine.
- Her words are genuine, not false.
- I feel his interest is genuine.
- It was a genuine offer to help.
Grammar
Dictionary form
genuine
IPA
GB/d͡ʒˈɛnjuɪn/
US/d͡ʒˈɛnjuɪn/
Syllables & stress
genu - ine (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (genu)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: genuine
Word family
Core family
genuinely
adverb B2
genuineness
noun
Negative and opposite forms
disingenuous
adjective
Advanced or less common
disingenuously
adverb
disingenuousness
noun
Expressions
genuine article
1/d͡ʒˈɛnjuɪn ˈɑɹtɪkəl/
fixed phrase
The real thing, not an imitation
The real thing, not a copy or fake.
Examples
- That signature is the genuine article, verified by experts.
- These boots are expensive because they're the genuine article.
genuine leather
1/d͡ʒˈɛnjuɪn lˈɛðɚ/
fixed phrase
Leather made from real animal hide
Leather made from real animal skin, not fake material.
Examples
- The sofa is covered in genuine leather.
- This wallet is made from genuine leather.
- These shoes are made of genuine leather and will last for years.
- Always check if the label says 'genuine leather' before buying.