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

Comment ()