adj.
Pronunciation: sin- ' sir, s ə n-
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: sin · cer · er ; sin · cer · est
Etymology: Middle French, from Latin sincerus whole, pure, genuine, probably from sem- one + -cerus (akin to Latin crescere to grow) ― more at SAME , CRESCENT
Date: 1533
1 a : free of dissimulation : HONEST <a sincere interest> b : free from adulteration : PURE <a sincere doctrine> < sincere wine>
2 : marked by genuineness : TRUE
– sin · cere · ly adverb
– sin · cere · ness noun
synonyms SINCERE , WHOLEHEARTED , HEARTFELT , HEARTY , UNFEIGNED mean genuine in feeling. SINCERE stresses absence of hypocrisy, feigning, or any falsifying embellishment or exaggeration <a sincere apology>. WHOLEHEARTED suggests sincerity and earnest devotion without reservation or misgiving <promised our wholehearted support>. HEARTFELT suggests depth of genuine feeling outwardly expressed <expresses our heartfelt gratitude>. HEARTY suggests honesty, warmth, and exuberance in displaying feeling <received a hearty welcome>. UNFEIGNED stresses spontaneity and absence of pretense <her unfeigned delight at receiving the award>.