authenticity

Everyday

1. Being real or genuine, not fake or copied: the authenticity of a painting or a signature. tree →
2. Being true to yourself; acting in a sincere, honest way rather than pretending. tree →

In the lessons

In history and art lessons experts check the authenticity of old documents, coins and paintings to spot forgeries. In online safety lessons pupils learn to check the authenticity of websites, emails and photos (is it really from the bank? is the picture real or edited?). In personal and ethics lessons authenticity means being yourself. Phrases: check the authenticity, certificate of authenticity, prove its authenticity.

Examples

• Experts tested the authenticity of the old map. tree →
• The signed football came with a certificate of authenticity. tree →
• Always check the authenticity of a website before you type your password. tree →
• People admired the singer's authenticity; she never pretended. tree →
• The museum doubted the authenticity of the dinosaur egg. tree →
• Deepfake videos make authenticity hard to judge. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Adjective: authentic (real, genuine). Pronounced aw-then-TIS-i-tee. Opposite ideas: fake, forgery, counterfeit.