sincere

[sin-seer]

adjective

sincerer, sincerest 

1. free of deceit, hypocrisy, or falseness; earnest.

   a sincere apology.

   Synonyms: unaffected, guileless, open, honest, candid, frank
   Antonyms: false

2. genuine; real.

   a sincere effort to improve; a sincere friend.

   Antonyms: false

3. pure; unmixed; unadulterated.

4. Obsolete.,  sound; unimpaired.

sincere

/ sɪnˈsɛrɪtɪ, sɪnˈsɪə /

adjective

1. not hypocritical or deceitful; open; genuine

   a sincere person

   sincere regret

2. archaic,  pure; unadulterated; unmixed

3. obsolete,  sound; whole

Other Word Forms

• sincerely adverb
• sincereness noun
• quasi-sincere adjective
• quasi-sincerely adverb
• sincerity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sincere¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin sincērus “pure, clean, untainted”

Word History and Origins

Origin of sincere¹

C16: from Latin sincērus

Synonym Study

See earnest ¹.

Example Sentences

But “Essex Honey” nearly never came to be because of the sincere love affair he has with his music and, specifically, the concept of “meaning.”

From Los Angeles Times

In a statement Belfast City Council, who operate Boucher Playing Fields, said it "was deeply saddened by the death" and added that it sent "sincere condolences to the young person's family at this difficult time".

From BBC

In a statement, Murray said his "sincere condolences are with the loved ones of the young individual who has tragically lost their life in these circumstances".

From BBC

"On behalf of everyone at the All England Club, I offer my sincere condolences to Angela's husband, John; their children, Michael and Sarah Jane; grandchildren, family and friends."

From BBC

“There are so many couches I have to thank for getting to do the work I do now,” Russell says, laughing but sincere.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• candid 
• earnest 
• for real 
• forthright 
• genuine 
• heartfelt 
• outspoken 
• real 
• serious 
• true 
• trustworthy