Authentikós

Authentikós (Greek: αυθεντικός; transliteration authentikós) is a Greek adjective meaning genuine, authentic, original, legitimate, or authoritative. In classical and modern contexts it describes things judged to be genuine rather than counterfeit, or persons or institutions regarded as rightful authorities. In English and other languages, the cognate adjective authentic is derived from the same root.

Etymology: The term derives from the Greek authentikos, from authentēs (one who acts as originator or author) and the concept of doing something by one’s own hand. The root conveys authority, genuineness, or originality. The word entered Latin as authenticus and via Old French into English as authentic.

Classical usage: In ancient Greek texts the term was used to mark statements, texts, or objects as genuine, original, or authoritative, as opposed to spurious copies or later inventions. It could apply to documents, inscriptions, or speeches to indicate their fidelity to the original source or maker.

Modern usage: In modern Greek αυθεντικός means genuine or real, as in authentic products, authentic cuisine, or authentic sources. In English and scholarly discourse, authentic and authenticity describe genuineness, origin, and fidelity to the original. The philosophical term authenticity, discussed by existentialists and phenomenologists such as Kierkegaard, Sartre, and Heidegger, concerns living in accordance with one’s true self or the original intention of a thing, rather than mere appearance of genuineness.

See also: authenticity, genuineness, authority, author.