genuine

/ˈdʒenjuɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒenjuɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjen-yə-wən -(ˌ)win nonstandard -ˌwīn/ (ame, mw)

genuine — adjective

  • genuinepositive
  • more genuinecomparative
  • most genuinesuperlative

1. describes an object that really is what it claims or appears to be, rather than

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes an object that really is what it claims or appears to be, rather than being a copy or an imitation.

例句

The antique dealer confirmed that the vase was genuine Ming porcelain from the 15th century.

genuine + [period/material] — product authenticity

Lien only buys genuine leather handbags because fake materials do not last as long.

genuine + leather / genuine + material

同義詞
  • real

    more common in everyday speech; 'genuine' sounds more formal or commercial

  • authentic

    often used for cultural, historical, or artistic items whose origin is certified

  • actual

    emphasises that something is a fact rather than a belief or theory

反義詞
  • fake

    the most direct opposite; deliberately made to deceive

  • counterfeit

    specifically of currency, documents, or branded goods produced illegally

  • artificial

    made by human skill rather than occurring naturally; not always deceptive

文法句型

be + genuine

genuine + noun (material/product)

用法筆記

Common with nouns that name materials (leather, gold, silk) or branded products. Often appears in commercial or authentication contexts where the risk of counterfeits is high. Distinguish from 'real': 'real leather' can be low-quality but still animal hide; 'genuine leather' emphasises that the item is not a synthetic imitation.

常見錯誤

❌She wanted to buy a genuine bag from the night market.
✅She wanted to buy a real leather bag from the night market.
💡'genuine' before a general noun like 'bag' sounds commercial; pair it with the material (genuine leather) or use 'real' for casual contexts.
❌This is a genuine antique watch.' (correct but unhelpful without context)
✅The dealer said the watch is a genuine antique from the 1920s.
💡add a time or origin phrase to make the claim meaningful.

2. describes a person, feeling, or reaction that is honest and not pretended, so th

2.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a person, feeling, or reaction that is honest and not pretended, so that others can trust what they see or hear.

例句

Hugo's apology sounded so genuine that everyone in the office believed he meant it.

genuine + apology / genuine + reaction

Mauricio showed a genuine interest in the local festivals by asking thoughtful questions.

genuine + interest / genuine + curiosity

同義詞
  • sincere

    very close in meaning; 'sincere' emphasises freedom from hypocrisy

  • honest

    broader; can describe facts, statements, or people, not just feelings

  • heartfelt

    stronger emotional weight; used with apologies, thanks, sympathy

反義詞
  • insincere

    the most direct opposite; pretending to feel something you do not

  • false

    broader; can describe statements, smiles, or emotions

  • hypocritical

    stronger moral judgement; saying one thing but doing another

文法句型

be + genuine

genuine + noun (feeling/reaction/person)

用法筆記

Subject is usually a person; object is an abstract noun for an emotion or character trait (concern, interest, smile, emotion, apology, relief, happiness). Frequently used in predicative position with 'be': 'Her relief was genuine'. Avoid using this sense for physical objects — that belongs to sense 1.

常見錯誤

❌He is a genuine person.' (grammatically correct but vague)
✅He is a genuinely kind person.
💡the adverb 'genuinely' before a specific trait is more natural than 'genuine' before 'person'.
❌His interest in art seemed genuinely.
✅His interest in art seemed genuine.
💡after 'seemed', use the adjective 'genuine', not the adverb 'genuinely'.