Main Entry:

gen·u·ine

Pronunciation:

\ˈjen-yə-wən, -(ˌ)win, ÷-ˌwīn\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Latin genuinus innate, genuine; akin to Latin gignere to beget — more at kin

Date:

circa 1639

1 a: actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character <genuine vintage wines> b: actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author <the signature is genuine> c: sincerely and honestly felt or experienced <a deep and genuine love> d: actual, true <a genuine improvement>2: free from hypocrisy or pretense : sincere

synonyms see authentic

— gen·u·ine·ly adverb

— gen·u·ine·ness \-wə(n)-nəs\ noun

usage The objection which some commentators make to the pronunciation \ˈjen-yə-ˌwīn\ is perhaps occasioned by the fact that it is more frequent among those with less schooling. However, this variant is heard in the speech of cultured or highly educated speakers sufficiently frequently for it to be recognized as a widespread pronunciation at all social levels. This variant was recorded as early as 1890 and appears to be simply a long-standing spelling pronunciation.