sincere
gb/sɪnsˈɪɹ/ us/sɪnsˈɪɹ/
B1
English
~ 3400
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Genuine and without pretense
Saying or showing what you really feel or believe, not pretending.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is sincere about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'sincere' with 'serious'. While both can describe people, 'sincere' means genuine and truthful, not just focused or intense.
Synonyms
genuine (Very close in meaning, but can also describe objects or things as real, not fake.)
|
honest (Focuses more on truthfulness rather than depth of feeling.)
Antonyms
insincere (Describes someone who is pretending to feel or believe something they do not.)
Collocations
sincere apology
|sincere thanks
|sincere effort
|sincere belief
|sincere desire
Themes
emotions
|communication
|character
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She gave me a sincere apology for missing the meeting.
- I believe he is sincere in his desire to help.
- Her smile was warm and sincere.
- They offered their sincere thanks to everyone who supported them.
Learner examples
- He is always sincere with his friends.
- I gave her my sincere thanks.
- She made a sincere promise to help me.
- He wrote a sincere letter to his teacher.
Grammar
Dictionary form
sincere
IPA
GB/sɪnsˈɪɹ/
US/sɪnsˈɪɹ/
Syllables & stress
sin - cere (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (cere)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: sincere
- Comparative: sincerer
- Superlative: sincerest
Word family
Expressions
sincere apology
1/sɪnsˈɪɹ əpˈɑləd͡ʒi/
fixed phrase
Genuine regret for a wrong
A true and honest way to say you are sorry for something you did wrong.
Examples
- He gave a sincere apology for being late.
- We received a sincere apology from the company for the mistake.
sincere condolences
1/sɪnsˈɪɹ kəndˈoʊlənsɪz/
fixed phrase
Genuine sympathy for a loss
A true and honest way to say you are sorry for someone's loss when someone has died.
Examples
- We offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
- Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father.
sincere thanks
1/sɪnsˈɪɹ θˈæŋks/
fixed phrase
Genuine gratitude
A true and honest way to say you are thankful.
Examples
- I would like to express my sincere thanks for your help.
- She sent me a card with her sincere thanks.