Vocabulary in context
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Authentic
Real or genuine; not fake or imitation; true to its claimed origin or identity.
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Imagine This
Imagine a museum curator testing a painting's provenance. A stamp labeled authentic is affixed to the frame, confirming it is the real piece from the claimed artist.
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Sounds Like
aw-THEN-tik
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Looks Like
Root 'auth-' is shared with words like authentic, authority, and author; visually related to authenticate and authenticity.
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Remember This
Authentic comes from Greek authentikos meaning original or genuine, via Latin authenticus.
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Other Forms
authenticitynoun
authenticallyadverb
inauthenticadjective
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Connect With
genuine, real, legitimate, bona fide, veritable
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Note
Use authentic to describe things that are real and not counterfeit, especially objects, documents, or experiences. Do not confuse with actual or credible—authenticity emphasizes genuineness and origin rather than just believability.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The antique dealer guaranteed that the vase was authentic.
- Her heartfelt apology sounded authentic and sincere.
Synonyms
genuinereallegitimatebona fideveritable
Antonyms
inauthenticfakecounterfeit
Etymology
From Greek authentikos meaning original, genuine, via Latin authenticus.
Mnemonic
Author-certified: authentic means 'author-certified' or 'genuinely issued by the author or originator'.
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Mollify
verbTo calm or soothe, especially by appeasing or softening someone's anger or emotions; to make something less severe or painful.
Effusive
adjectiveExhibiting or expressing excessive emotion or praise; demonstrative and unrestrained.
Conundrum
nounA puzzling question; a riddle; a problem that is difficult to solve or understand.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Legitimate
adjectiveConforming to the law or established rules; legally valid or genuine.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
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