sincerity

Everyday

1. Being honest and meaning what you say or feel; not pretending. tree →
2. Real and true feeling shown in words or actions. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and ethics lessons sincerity shows a character is trustworthy and that an apology or thank-you is real, not just polite words. Letters end «Yours sincerely» in the UK (or «Sincerely» in the USA). Phrases: «in all sincerity», «with sincerity», «doubt someone's sincerity».

Examples

• I could hear the sincerity in her apology. tree →
• He spoke with such sincerity that everyone believed him. tree →
• In all sincerity, I think you did brilliantly. tree →
• Some people doubted the politician's sincerity. tree →
• A thank-you card is nicer when it is written with sincerity. tree →
• Her sincerity made her a good friend. tree →
• Misfortune tests the sincerity of friendship. tree →

Note

Uncountable; adjective «sincere», adverb «sincerely». Spelling trap: «sincerity» drops the final e of «sincere». In UK letter rules: «Dear Mr Smith … Yours sincerely» when you know the name.

In Jewish tradition

Joshua tells Israel to serve God with sincerity and truth and to put away idols. The Psalm says that wicked people have none, since their mouths speak falsehood.

Interpretation. Tradition teaches that worship must come from the heart as well as from outward actions.

Examples

• For there is no sincerity in their mouth; their inward part is a yawning gulf, their throat is an open sepulchre; they make smooth their tongue. (Writings PSA.5.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. (Prophets JOS.24.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable; adjective «sincere», adverb «sincerely». Spelling trap: «sincerity» drops the final e of «sincere». In UK letter rules: «Dear Mr Smith … Yours sincerely» when you know the name.