Words / B1

JEN-yoo-inl-ee/ˈdʒenjuɪnli/

Genuinely means in a real, honest way: genuinely sorry; genuinely interested. Genuine is the adjective (already in the dictionary). Really is everyday; sincerely is more formal for apologies. Do not use genuinely with every adjective — genuinely tall is odd. Governors were genuinely shocked by Ofsted.

Meaning

In a real and honest way; not pretended.

Examples

• “Governors were genuinely shocked by the unannounced Ofsted visit.”
• “She was genuinely sorry, which is stronger than a routine apology.”

Good to know

genuinely + feeling adjective (sorry, interested, shocked). Adjective: genuine. Everyday: really. Formal apology: sincerely. Not “genuinely tall”.

Near in meaning

really

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