not counterfeit or copied
"an authentic signature"
"a bona fide manuscript"
"an unquestionable antique"
"photographs taken in a veritable bull ring"
Of the same origin as claimed; genuine.
"After visiting the factory, I felt confident that the silk scarf was authentic and not a cheap imitation."
In plain English: Authentic means something is real and genuine, not fake or copied.
"The museum displayed an authentic piece of furniture from the 18th century."
Usage: Use authentic to describe items that are real and not imitations, such as an authentic vintage painting or an authentic Italian restaurant. Do not use it to mean morally good or honest, as those concepts belong to words like genuine or sincere.
The word "authentic" comes from the Latin authenticus, which was borrowed into English via Old French and Middle English. It originally traced back to an Ancient Greek term meaning "absolute ruler," reflecting its root in a word for someone who has full authority.