sincere

Definition

Genuine; meaning what one says or does; heartfelt.

Etymology

From Middle French sincere, from Latin sincerus (“genuine”), from Proto-Indo-European *sem- (“together”) (whence English sam) + *ḱer- (“grow”) (whence Latin Ceres, the goddess of harvest, etymon of cereal). Not from sine (“without”) + cera (“wax”), a folk etymology; see Wikipedia page.

Example Sentences

• "I believe he is sincere in his offer to help."
• "Tumid blustering, with more or less of sincerity, which need not be entirely sincere, yet the sincerer the better, is like to go far."
• "My sincerest apologies to Brother Ron Smith in the December ish."

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