C1adjective2K

Authentic

UK /["/ɔːˈθentɪk/"]/US /["/ɔːˈθentɪk/"]/

Definition

known to be real and what somebody claims it is and not a copy

In simple words: Real and true; not fake.

Examples

I don't know if the painting is authentic.
The documents seem authentic enough.
an authentic Picasso
an authentic account of life in the desert
the authentic voice of young black Americans
an authentic model of the ancient town
Take a trip on an authentic Spanish galleon to the famous Papagayo beach.

Usage notes

Use 'authentic' when something is genuine or original. It is appropriate in both casual and formal contexts; however, avoid using it in overly casual settings.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'authentic' as 'authent-ic' like a ticket that is real, not a fake.

Collocations

authentic experience
authentic materials
authentic voice
authentic culture

Synonyms

genuine
real
legitimate
true
verified

Antonyms

fake
false
counterfeit

Common mistakes

Confusing 'authentic' with 'authoritative'
Using 'authentic' inappropriately in place of 'actual'
Mispronouncing it as 'authen-tic' instead of 'aw-then-tic'