 |
| Date: | 1500-1600 |
| Language: | Latin |
| Origin: | genuinus 'born, genuine' |
| |||||||||
gen‧u‧ine S3 W3
1 a genuine feeling, desire etc is one that you really feel, not one you pretend to feel [= sincere]
'Did he really?' Her surprise seemed genuine.
genuine interest/concern/desire etc The reforms are motivated by a genuine concern for the disabled. a genuine fear of invasion
The reforms are motivated by a genuine concern for the disabled.a genuine fear of invasion'Did he really?' Her surprise seemed genuine.2 something genuine really is what it seems to be [= real]: We need laws that will protect genuine refugees. The strap is genuine leather.
We need laws that will protect genuine refugees.The strap is genuine leather.3 someone who is genuine is honest and friendly and you feel you can trust them [≠ false]: She is the most genuine person I've ever met.
She is the most genuine person I've ever met.4
the genuine article
a) informal a person or thing that is a true example of their type : If you want to meet a real Southerner, Jake is the genuine article.
If you want to meet a real Southerner, Jake is the genuine article.b) something that is real and is not a copy intended to deceive people : Some fake designer clothes are so good that people have no idea they're not buying the genuine article.
Some fake designer clothes are so good that people have no idea they're not buying the genuine article. —genuinely adverb: The boy seemed genuinely interested.
The boy seemed genuinely interested. —genuineness noun [uncountable]
