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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Sincere: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：genuine and honest (sincere)

sincere 🔊

/sɪnˈsɪr/

adj.

A sincere person means what they say and shows their true feelings without pretending.

Sincere person illustration showing genuine expression and honest body language.

genuine and honest 🔊

➕

/ˈdʒɛnjuɪn ænd ˈɒnɪst/

adj.

Describes a person who is honest in their feelings and intentions, without any pretense or deceit.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin *sincerus* ('pure, clean, genuine'), possibly from *sin-* ('without') + *cerus* ('wax'), literally 'without wax'.

💡 Mnemonic

**See the honest truth IN the CEREal.** Imagine someone being so honest you can see the truth inside their breakfast bowl.

📖 Example

His sincere interest in the job was evident throughout the interview. 🔊 His genuine and honest interest in the job was evident throughout the interview.

🔗 Collocations

sincere person – a genuinely honest individual

sincere thanks – a deeply felt expression of gratitude

sincere effort – a genuine and serious attempt

🔄 Synonyms

genuine (adj.) – Truly what something is said to be; authentic.

honest (adj.) – Free of deceit; truthful and sincere.

authentic (adj.) – Of undisputed origin; genuine.

🚫 Antonyms

insincere (adj.) – Not expressing genuine feelings; hypocritical.

disingenuous (adj.) – Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.

hypocritical (adj.) – Behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case.

🌱 Derivatives

sincerely (adv.) – In a sincere or genuine way.

sincerity (n.) – The quality of being free from pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy.

insincere (adj.) – Not expressing genuine feelings.

📖 Cultural Story

The Latin word 'sincerus' (clean, pure, genuine) has an intriguing but debated etymology. A popular story claims it came from the practice of sealing cracks in pottery or statues with wax. A work described as 'sine cera' (without wax) was unadulterated and therefore 'pure' or 'honest'. This narrative, though compelling, lacks definitive historical proof. The word evolved to describe honesty in character and intention.

Meaning 2：heartfelt and earnest (sincere)

sincere 🔊

/sɪnˈsɪr/

adj.

An apology or gratitude that comes from the heart, not just said out of politeness.

Sincere action example of writing a heartfelt thank you card with warm lighting.

heartfelt and earnest 🔊

➕

/ˈhɑːrtfelt ænd ˈɜːrnɪst/

adj.

Describes feelings, expressions, or actions (like apologies or gratitude) that are deeply felt and expressed genuinely, not out of mere politeness or obligation.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

She accepted his sincere apology and they agreed to move on. 🔊 She accepted his heartfelt and earnest apology and they agreed to move on.

🔗 Collocations

sincere apology – a genuinely regretful expression of sorrow for wrongdoing

sincere gratitude – deeply felt thankfulness

sincere wish – a genuinely felt desire or hope

🔄 Synonyms

heartfelt (adj.) – (Of a feeling or its expression) deeply and strongly felt; sincere.

earnest (adj.) – Resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction.

unfeigned (adj.) – Genuine; sincere.

🚫 Antonyms

perfunctory (adj.) – Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection.

hollow (adj.) – Without real significance or value; meaningless.

feigned (adj.) – Simulated or pretended; insincere.