Home » Misc » Authentic means what

Authentic means what


Authentic Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

au·​then·​tic ə-ˈthen-tik 

ȯ-

1

a

: worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact

paints an authentic picture of our society

b

: conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features

an authentic reproduction of a colonial farmhouse

c

: made or done the same way as an original

authentic Mexican fare

2

: not false or imitation: real, actual

an authentic cockney accent

3

: true to one's own personality, spirit, or character

is sincere and authentic with no pretensions

4

a

of a church mode : ranging upward from the keynote

compare plagal sense 1

b

of a cadence : progressing from the dominant chord to the tonic

compare plagal sense 2

5

obsolete : authoritative

authentically

ə-ˈthen-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ȯ-

adverb

authenticity

ˌȯ-ˌthen-ˈti-sə-tē 

-thən-

noun

Synonyms

  • bona fide
  • certifiable
  • certified
  • dinkum [Australian & New Zealand]
  • echt
  • genuine
  • honest
  • pukka
  • pucka
  • real
  • right
  • sure-enough
  • true

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

Example Sentences

In 1879 expert opinion was unanimous in rejecting Sautuola's timid suggestion that the ceiling paintings in his family's cave were made by the same prehistoric hunters whose stone and bone artifacts he had been collecting from the cave floor. He was accused of forgery and not until 1902, when discovery of similar paintings in several French caves supported Sautuola's claim, did experts agree that they were authentic relics of Paleolithic times. —William H. McNeill, New York Review, 19 Oct. 2006 "If I did authentic Japanese food here, no one would understand," says Masaharu Morimoto, whose idiosyncratic creations dazzle as many as 300 diners a night at his eponymous Philadelphia restaurant. "Anything I do here is going to be an Americanization of Japanese cuisine." The ponytailed Morimoto of Iron Chef fame has been expanding the boundaries of Japanese cuisine his entire career, starting at his own sushi bar in Hiroshima, Japan … —Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator, 31 Mar. 2005 But before we could leave, the old guy had to have his pint with the regulars at the Regulator. Part of his routine. All the staff were from Ireland (the real Ireland), and all the walls were paneled with authentic oak. —Michael Kandel, Fantasy & Science Fiction, October/November 2004 According to Lia, the document seems authentic, though she emphasizes that it contains no specific attack orders … —Aparisim Ghosh, Time, 22 Mar. 2004

We saw authentic examples of ancient Roman sculpture. Experts have confirmed that the signature on the letter is authentic. The witness provided an authentic record of what actually took place. She prepared a very authentic Mexican meal. The building is an authentic reproduction of a colonial farmhouse. See More

Recent Examples on the Web Ideal for: Active adults looking for authentic cultural experiences. —Megan Dubois, Chron, 6 Jan. 2023 Considered to be a 100% authentic traditional Chinese wok, this model was hand hammered in Guangzhou, China. —Kristen (kj) Callihan, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Jan. 2023 The late artist and architect worked closely with the government to ensure the authentic spirit and natural beauty of the island remained intact, and a trip to Lanzarote isn’t complete without a visit to one of his various properties. —Monica Mendal, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2023 Indeed, some agents argue that by pushing their subjects, ghostwriters can make books more authentic than if they were written by the public figures themselves. —Elizabeth A. Harris, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2023 The influencer rose to fame by building an authentic community based on empowerment and laughs. —Kelly Wynne, Peoplemag, 5 Jan. 2023 This plays into the same dynamic when movies and television shows glamorize if not sanitize acts of violence, omitting depictions of any gruesome or authentic aftermath. —Los Angeles Times , 5 Jan. 2023 The Rijksmuseum, however, has concluded that Girl With a Flute is an authentic Vermeer, as the Guardian’s Jennifer Rankin reports. —Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Jan. 2023 The balance of the specific tone that worked and the need to tell an authentic story was at the top of Storer’s mind. —Emily Longeretta, Variety, 4 Jan. 2023 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'authentic. ' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English autentik, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin authenticus, from Greek authentikos, from authentēs perpetrator, master, from aut- + -hentēs (akin to Greek anyein to accomplish, Sanskrit sanoti he gains)

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler

The first known use of authentic was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Dictionary Entries Near

authentic

auth

authentic

authentical

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

Style

MLAChicagoAPAMerriam-Webster

“Authentic. ” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authentic. Accessed 20 Jan. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

authentic

adjective

au·​then·​tic ə-ˈthent-ik 

ȯ-

1

: being really what it seems to be : genuine

authentic examples of Hopi jewelry

2

: made to be or look just like an original

authentic colonial costumes

authentic French-style mustard

authentically

-ˈthent-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

authenticity

ˌȯ-ˌthen-ˈtis-ət-ē 

-thən-

noun

More from Merriam-Webster on

authentic

Nglish: Translation of authentic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of authentic for Arabic Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Merriam-Webster unabridged

vulpine

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Fashionable Words

  • Which of these items is named for a deadly weapon?
  • Henley shirt Brogue shoes
  • Stiletto heel Fedora hat

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY

Authentic Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.

com
  • Top Definitions
  • Quiz
  • Related Content
  • Examples
  • British

This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.

[ aw-then-tik ]

/ ɔˈθɛn tɪk /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: authentic / authentically on Thesaurus.com

This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.

adjective

not false or copied; genuine; real: an authentic antique.

having an origin supported by unquestionable evidence; authenticated; verified: an authentic document of the Middle Ages; an authentic work of the old master.

representing one’s true nature or beliefs; true to oneself or to the person identified: a story told in the authentic voice of a Midwestern farmer; a senator’s speech that sounded authentic.

entitled to acceptance or belief because of agreement with known facts or experience; reliable; trustworthy: an authentic report on poverty in Africa.

Law. executed with all due formalities: an authentic deed.

Music.

  1. (of a church mode) having a range extending from the final to the octave above.Compare plagal.
  2. (of a cadence) consisting of a dominant harmony followed by a tonic.

Obsolete. authoritative.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of authentic

1300–50; <Late Latin authenticus “coming from the author, genuine” (also in the neuter, a noun “original document, the original”) <Greek authentikós “original, primary, at first hand,” equivalent to authént(ēs) “one who does things himself” (aut- aut- +-hentēs “doer”) + -ikos -ic; replacing Middle English autentik (<Anglo-French ) <Medieval Latin autenticus

synonym study for authentic

1-4. Authentic, genuine, real, veritable share the sense of actuality and lack of falsehood or misrepresentation. Authentic carries the connotation of authoritative confirmation that things or people are what they are claimed or appear to be: an authentic Rembrandt sketch; an authentic smile. Genuine refers to objects or persons having the characteristics or source claimed or implied: a genuine ivory carving. Real, the most general of these terms, refers to innate or actual—as opposed to ostensible—nature or character: In real life, plans often miscarry. A real diamond will cut glass. Veritable, derived from the Latin word for truth, suggests the general truthfulness but not necessarily the literal or strict correspondence with reality of that which it describes; it is often used metaphorically: a veritable wizard of finance.

OTHER WORDS FROM authentic

au·then·ti·cal·ly, adverbnon·au·then·tic, adjectivequa·si-au·then·tic, adjectivequa·si-au·then·ti·cal·ly, adverb

un·au·then·tic, adjective

Words nearby authentic

autecology, Auteuil, auteur, auteur theory, auth. , authentic, authentical, authenticate, authentication, authenticator, authenticity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to authentic

accurate, authoritative, convincing, credible, legitimate, original, pure, reliable, true, trustworthy, actual, bona fide, certain, creditable, dependable, factual, faithful, for-real, legit, official

How to use authentic in a sentence

  • Brands can gain a lot by finding ways to enable this experience in a meaningful, authentic way.

    ‘The momentum is there’: In 2021, marketers are starting to see TikTok as a staple of the social budget|Kristina Monllos|February 12, 2021|Digiday

  • Many brands entered 2021 with a commitment to building more meaningful and authentic dialogue particularly with communities of color, and while the goal is laudable, brands have to be smart and sensitive if they want to avoid looking opportunistic.

    Brand Summit Recap: Marketers face looming identity crisis|Digiday Editors|February 10, 2021|Digiday

  • Google wants to make sure that the information it suggests is authentic and comes from the experts in that niche.

    Seven enterprise SEO strategies and tactics that really work|Harpreet Munjal|February 8, 2021|Search Engine Watch

  • That means leaning into good creative and authentic messaging on Facebook as conversations around the need for diversification have continued to heat up.

    Another DTC brand diversifies media strategy amid ‘looming fear of being solely dependent on Facebook’|Kimeko McCoy|February 4, 2021|Digiday

  • Our corporate funeral industry, she argues, has made us forget how to offer our loved ones an authentic sendoff.

    How to Be Better at Death (Ep. 450)|Maria Konnikova|February 4, 2021|Freakonomics

  • Electric Swamp Blues How can you possibly find authentic swamp blues in Portland, Oregon?

    The Best Albums of 2014|Ted Gioia|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST

  • He often receives inquiries from sellers eager to verify that their items are authentic.

    Dismembering History: The Shady Online Trade in Ancient Texts|Candida Moss|November 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST

  • He feared the laser-etched markings intended to make them look authentic could be toxic to patients.

    Patients Screwed in Spine Surgery ‘Scam’|The Center for Investigative Reporting|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

  • They were tired of the fare at restaurants catering to tourists and were craving something a bit more authentic.

    The Airbnb of Home-Cooked Meals|Itay Hod|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

  • Want an authentic dinner with a local on your next vacation abroad, far from the overpriced tourist traps?

    The Airbnb of Home-Cooked Meals|Itay Hod|November 3, 2014|DAILY BEAST

  • A judicial record was made of all of this matter, and authentic papers with the arguments of each party.

    The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XX, 1621-1624|Various

  • My relations with the line by no means ended with the inquiry, and more about it will later on appear in this authentic history.

    Fifty Years of Railway Life in England, Scotland and Ireland|Joseph Tatlow

  • Excitement was at fever heat, and anxious hearts awaited authentic news.

    The Courier of the Ozarks|Byron A. Dunn

  • If this ending of the anecdote is not authentic, I feel quite sure that none but a Scotchman could have invented it.

    Friend Mac Donald|Max O'Rell

  • We are left, however, for the most part, without authentic record of the tragic scenes of Christian martyrdom.

    The Catacombs of Rome|William Henry Withrow

British Dictionary definitions for authentic

authentic

/ (ɔːˈθɛntɪk) /

adjective

of undisputed origin or authorship; genuinean authentic signature

accurate in representation of the facts; trustworthy; reliablean authentic account

(of a deed or other document) duly executed, any necessary legal formalities having been complied with

music

  1. using period instruments and historically researched scores and playing techniques in an attempt to perform a piece as it would have been played at the time it was written
  2. (in combination)an authentic-instrument performance

music

  1. (of a mode as used in Gregorian chant) commencing on the final and ending an octave higher
  2. (of a cadence) progressing from a dominant to a tonic chord

Compare plagal

Derived forms of authentic

authentically, adverbauthenticity (ˌɔːθɛnˈtɪsɪtɪ), noun

Word Origin for authentic

C14: from Late Latin authenticus coming from the author, from Greek authentikos, from authentēs one who acts independently, from auto- + hentēs a doer

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

90,000 authentic | it's... What is authentic?

InterpretationTranslation

genuine
genuine

adj. , used comp. often

Morphology: authentic , authentic , authentic , authentic ; is longer than ; ext. genuine

1. Genuine refers to something that is or is recognized as an original.

Authentic letters of Ivan the Terrible. | Find an authentic autograph of the writer. | Quote the original text.

2. Genuine is what is perceived, felt or recognized by someone as true.

Genuine interest in something. | Someone has genuine taste. nine0025 | The true meaning of life. | The poem was based on a true fact.

3. A genuine hero, friend, etc. is the one who is the best example, ideal, embodiment of a hero, friend, etc.

Genuine scientist. | Genuine friend.

4. Genuine is something that is felt by someone as exemplary, close to ideal.

Genuine literature. nine0025 | Genuine patriotism.

= true, real

• authentic n. , f.

Authenticity of the receipt. | Authenticity of feelings.

Dmitriev's Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language. D.V. Dmitriev. 2003.

.

Games ⚽ Need an abstract?

Synonyms authentic, living, inveterate, finished, genuine, genuine, genuine, real, real, out-of-date, worn out, sincere, true, true, which are few, one hundred percent, real, natural, not from the latest, uninvented, genuine, unadorned, original, notorious , the first brand, true, recognized, born, real, with a capital letter, from head to toe, the most, the most that neither is, corresponding to reality, one hundred percent, real, accurate, actual, shaped, purest water, purest, purest water, purebred, purebred, pure

Antonyms :

imaginary, counterfeit, false

  • scoundrel
  • sneaky

Useful


The meaning of the word "genuine"

electronic dictionaries of the Russian language

backing

bribery

th, th; authentic, na, na.

1. Original, not copied.

Authentic birch bark documents. Authentic Louis XIV era furniture. Genuine letters of Ivan the Terrible. Authentic photographs of the royal family. You must provide original documents to the registry. Authentic Indian spices are used to prepare the dish. The client's signature is authentic. Exhibited exhibits of the museum are authentic. nine0003

2. Real, genuine; accurate, without any changes, distortions; representing the best example, the ideal of someone, something.

Original name of the author. Authentic mahogany box. Information about the true state of affairs in the region is hidden. Swimming in the sea is a real pleasure. Behind the scenes, genuine passions boiled. A true teacher must bring knowledge to the student. A true ace in his field.

3. True, not ostentatious.

Genuine heroism. Genuine friend. Genuine feelings, experiences. Genuine desire to help. Students have genuine respect for the professor. Genuine romantics love to walk on white nights. The girl's emotions are real. Genuine fans after the concert were left to wait for autographs. nine0003

Data from other dictionaries

Big Explanatory Dictionary of the Russian Language

Ed. S. A. Kuznetsova

genuine

th, th; -linen, -linna, -linno. nine0003

1. Original, not copied.

2nd birch bark letters. N-th letters of Ivan the Terrible. P-th paper. True with the original (the official formula of the inscription on copies of documents verified with the original).

2. Real, genuine.

Writer's nth name. P. prince. P-th folk songs. P-th red tree.

// Precise, without any change or distortion.

Learn more