[sin.cere] sin.cer.er sin.cer.est adj [MF, fr. L sincerus whole, pure, genuine, prob. fr. sem- one + -cerus (akin to L crescere to grow)--more at same, crescent] (1533) 1 a: free of dissimulation: honest "~ interest" b: free from adulteration: pure "a ~ doctrine" "~ wine"
2: marked by genuineness: true -- sin.cere.ly adv -- sin.cere.ness n syn 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".