What is genuine? Pronunciation and usage in English

genuine means . Learn how to pronounce and use genuine through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of genuine

genuineadjective

/ˈdʒɛnjʊɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of genuine

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "genuine." It can be a little tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • jee-NESS: This is the core of the pronunciation. The "gen" part sounds like "jee." Think of the "gee" in "geezer."
  • -NAY: This rhymes with "day" or "say."

2. Syllable Breakdown:

The word is typically broken into two syllables: jee-NESS-nay

3. Putting it Together:

  • jee (like "gee" in "geezer") – emphasize this syllable slightly
  • NESS – sounds like "ness" as in "mess" but shorter
  • nay – like "day" or "say"

4. A helpful way to think about it:

Imagine saying "genuine" as if you're describing something real and authentic. That "genuine" feeling can help you shape your mouth and tongue to make the sounds.

5. Listen to examples:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

Quick Recap: JEE-NESS-nay

Do you want me to:

  • Say it slowly again?
  • Give you some common pronunciation mistakes people make?

Usage and examples with the word genuine in English

Let's break down how to use the word "genuine" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Genuine (Meaning: Real, Authentic, True)

This is the most common usage. It describes something that is not fake, imitation, or copied.

  • Examples:
    • "This is a genuine antique – it’s been authenticated by experts." (It's not a reproduction.)
    • "He has a genuine interest in photography." (He's not pretending to be interested.)
    • "She gave me a genuine smile." (It wasn’t a forced one.)
    • "The company uses genuine leather in their bags." (Not imitation leather.)
    • "The artist’s work shows a genuine passion for his subject."

2. Genuine (Meaning: Sincere, Heartfelt)

Here, it describes someone’s feelings or intentions. It means someone is honest and heartfelt in what they say or do.

  • Examples:
    • "She offered him genuine sympathy after he lost his job." (She wasn’t just saying it; she felt it.)
    • "His apology seemed genuine." (He truly felt sorry.)
    • “I appreciate your genuine concern.” (You're not just acting concerned, you truly care.)

3. Genuine (Describing a Person - Meaning: Honest, Trustworthy)

Less common, but sometimes used to describe a person’s character.

  • Example: “He’s a genuine person – you can always trust him.” (He’s honest and reliable.)

Key Points & How to Use It Effectively:

  • Synonyms: Words like “authentic,” “real,” “true,” “sincere,” “heartfelt,” “honest” are often interchangeable with “genuine,” depending on the context.
  • Adjective: “Genuine” is almost always an adjective – it describes a noun.
  • Contrast with “fake,” “false,” “imitation,” “artificial”: "Genuine" is often used in contrast to these words.

Let's look at some examples to illustrate the difference:

  • "This is a genuine diamond." (It’s a real diamond, not a crystal.)
  • "She gave him a genuine hug." (She hugged him with sincere warmth.)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you write a sentence using “genuine”?
  • Focus on a specific context where you'd like to use it (e.g., describing jewelry, expressing emotions)?

Synonyms for the word genuine

Practice with vocabulary genuine

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After a thorough investigation, the police confirmed that the document was _____, not a forgery.
  2. Her _____ concern for the welfare of her team members fostered a very positive work environment.
  3. The expert easily identified the painting as a clever _____, lacking the unique brushstrokes of the original artist.
  4. His claim to have discovered a new species was initially met with skepticism, but later research provided _____ evidence to support his findings.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. To build strong professional relationships, it is crucial to offer feedback that is perceived as _____ and constructive, not just polite flattery. A) feigned B) authentic C) superficial D) genuine E) false

  2. The antique dealer assured the client that the rare Ming vase was a _____ artifact, verified by multiple experts and provenance documents. A) fabricated B) authentic C) counterfeit D) genuine E) sham

  3. Despite the challenging circumstances, her _____ enthusiasm for the project never wavered, inspiring the entire team. A) simulated B) true C) sincere D) artificial E) genuine

  4. The company issued a public apology for the error, emphasizing their _____ commitment to customer satisfaction. A) perfunctory B) superficial C) unwavering D) nominal E) half-hearted

  5. The research findings provided _____ support for the new hypothesis, leading to a significant shift in the scientific community's understanding. A) negligible B) substantial C) superficial D) flimsy E) strong

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Her expression of support for the new policy seemed somewhat forced and insincere. Rewrite (using "genuine" or related word forms):

  2. Original: The legal team presented facts that undeniably proved the authenticity of the ancient manuscript. Rewrite (using "genuine" or related word forms):

  3. Original: Many employees doubted the sincerity of the CEO's promise to increase benefits next quarter. Rewrite (do not use "genuine"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. genuine
  2. genuine
  3. imitation
  4. conclusive

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) authentic, D) genuine
  2. B) authentic, D) genuine
  3. B) true, C) sincere, E) genuine
  4. C) unwavering
  5. B) substantial, E) strong

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her expression of support for the new policy seemed genuine and heartfelt.
  2. The legal team presented facts that undeniably proved the ancient manuscript was genuine.
  3. Many employees doubted the veracity of the CEO's promise to increase benefits next quarter.

Comment ()