Authenticity
/ˌɔːθɛnˈtɪsɪti/
nounIntermediate📊CommonQuality
1 meaning2 questions
Definitions
1
The state or quality of being genuine, original, or true.
/ˌɔːθɛnˈtɪsɪti/
nounpositiveIntermediate
Quality
The quality of being genuine or true.
The museum questioned the authenticity of the newly discovered artifact.
💡 Simply: Realness; being genuine.
More Examples
2
She valued authenticity in her relationships.
How It's Used
Art
"The painting's authenticity was confirmed by experts."
History
"Historians debated the authenticity of the ancient manuscript."
From Middle French authenticité, from Latin authenticus "authoritative, genuine", from auctor "author, originator".
The word's usage has remained consistent in emphasizing genuineness, though its application across different fields has expanded.
Memory tip
Think 'author' - an authentic work comes from a true author.
Word Origin
Original meaning
"authoritative, genuine"
Base: authentic
question the authenticity ofprove authenticityverify authenticity
Common misspellings
authencityauthenticity
Practice
Usage
30%Spoken
70%Written