Genuine
/ˈdʒɛn.ju.ɪn/noun
Authentic or real; not counterfeit or fake.
Did you know?The term 'genuine' likely stems from the Latin word 'genuinus', meaning 'native' or 'born of', often connected to being born free, which adds a layer of authenticity and purity to its meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
genuinus
“Born of; native, real; freeborn.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
genuinus
“Authentic; not counterfeit.”
Old French
Old French
genin
“Genuine; real, true.”
Middle English
Middle English
genuin
“Authentic; of legitimate lineage.”
Modern English
Modern English
genuine
“Real, true, authentic in nature.”