Main Entry: sin·cere

Pronunciation: \sin-ˈsir, sən-\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): sin·cer·er; sin·cer·est

Etymology: Middle French, from Latin sincerus whole, pure, genuine, probably from sem- one + -cerus (akin to Latin crescere to grow) — more at same, crescent

Date: 1533

1 a : free of dissimulation : honest <a sincere interest> b : free from adulteration : pure <a sincere doctrine> <sincere wine>
2 : marked by genuineness : true

— sin·cere·ly adverb

— sin·cere·ness noun

synonyms sincere, wholehearted, heartfelt, hearty, unfeigned mean genuine in feeling. sincere stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration <a sincere apology>. wholehearted suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving <promised our wholehearted support>. heartfelt suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed <expresses our heartfelt gratitude>. hearty suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling <received a hearty welcome>. unfeigned stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense <her unfeigned delight at receiving the award>.