WordGarden.ioauthentic
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɔːθˈɛntɪk/
US
- /əˈθɛnɪk/
Meanings
Adjective
genuine and not fake, copied, or falsely presented
faithful to the original, traditional, or local form
true to one's own character, values, or feelings; sincere
Beyond the definition
Think of your grandmother's famous apple pie – the one made with love and her secret recipe. That's authentic. It isn't trying to be something it's not; it stays true to itself, made with care and personality. To be authentic means being true to who you are, even if that means standing out from the crowd. A handcrafted leather bag is often considered more authentic than a mass-produced one because of the skill and care put into its creation. It can also describe something originating from a genuine source, such as an authentic Italian pasta sauce made with ingredients imported directly from Italy.
The word "authentic" describes something that is genuine, real, and not fake or copied. It speaks to originality and truthfulness, whether in people, objects, or experiences. For example, you might describe a musician as authentic if their music comes straight from the heart and reflects their personal journey, rather than just following commercial trends.
Authenticity isn't limited to personality, though! An authentic antique is one that has been verified as original and dates back to its claimed period. Similarly, a restaurant serving authentic cuisine uses traditional recipes and specific ingredients to offer a true taste of the culture it represents.
The concept of authenticity also extends to how we live our lives. To be an authentic person means being honest with yourself and others about your beliefs, values, and feelings – even when it's difficult. It's about embracing your imperfections and living in alignment with your true self. In a world often filled with pretense, striving for authenticity is about finding what truly matters to you and expressing that openly.
So, whether describing a treasured heirloom, a heartfelt performance, or a genuine connection – authentic signifies something real, original, and deeply meaningful.
Examples
- 1
Restaurant food
The restaurant is known for its authentic Italian food.
- 2
Art verification
Experts are still trying to find out whether the painting is authentic.
- 3
Accent training
The actors trained with local coaches so their accents would sound authentic.
- 4
Sincere apology
His apology felt authentic, so people were more willing to forgive him.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Writer's voice
She has an authentic voice as a writer, and readers trust her.
- 6
Period accuracy
The costumes look great, but they don't feel authentic to the time period.
- Patternauthentic to + person/place/period
true to that person, place, or period
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- authentic experience
- authentic document
- authentic cuisine
- authentic voice
Word family
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Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- authenticnounadjective
Forms
- authenticspluralnounadjective