Authentique

Authentique is a French adjective meaning genuine, real, or true. It is used to describe objects, practices, or representations that are faithful to their origin or original form, and that are not counterfeit or artificial. The word comes from Latin authenticus, via Old French authentique, and ultimately from Greek authentikos, related to the notion of authority or original source.

In everyday language, authentique can refer to a handmade or traditional quality (for example, une cuisine authentique, un objet authentique) or to a historical or regional authenticity. In marketing and tourism, it is frequently employed to evoke tradition, craftsmanship, and credibility, though its use can be subjective and sometimes staged.

Grammatically, authentique is an adjective that agrees in gender and number with the noun: un produit authentique, une histoire authentique, des objets authentiques. The adverbial form is authentiquement. The noun for the concept is authenticité.

Notes: The term carries connotations of genuineness but may be used loosely in branding. In academic contexts, authenticity is discussed as the degree to which an entity adheres to its original characteristics or provenance.