Meaning & use
authentically
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Meanings
adverb
In a way that is real, genuine, or true to the original.
Grammar: Modifies verbs or adjectives: 'She smiled authentically.'
Patterns
- act authentically
- speak authentically
- authentically made
She smiled authentically, and everyone believed her.
The restaurant serves authentically prepared regional dishes.
He tried to live authentically, without pretending to be someone else.
adverb
In a manner that is verified as real or not fake.
Grammar: Often used with past participles: 'authentically signed.'
Patterns
- authentically signed
- authentically certified
The document was authentically signed by the author.
Only authentically certified products can use the label.
Common combinations
- authentically made
- The furniture is authentically made using traditional tools.
- authentically prepared
- The meal was authentically prepared by a local chef.
- live authentically
- She decided to live authentically and stop hiding her true feelings.
- speak authentically
- He speaks authentically about his experiences, without exaggeration.
Synonyms and how they differ
- genuinely
- Similar meaning, but 'genuinely' often emphasizes sincerity rather than authenticity of origin.
- truly
- Can mean 'really' or 'sincerely'; 'authentically' stresses being true to an original or genuine source.
Opposites
Word family
- authentic adjective
- Real and genuine; not a copy.
- authenticity noun
- The quality of being real or genuine.
- authenticate verb
- To prove that something is real or genuine.
Commonly confused: authentically or authoritatively?
authentically vs authoritatively
Sounds similar but means 'in a way that shows authority or expertise,' not 'genuinely.'
Practice
Choose the correct word: The chef prepared the dish ______, using only traditional methods.
Choose one answer.
'Authentically' means in a genuine, true-to-origin way, which fits traditional methods. 'Artificially' and 'falsely' suggest something fake, and 'authoritatively' means with authority, not genuine.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “authentically”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.