véritable

Véritable is a French adjective meaning genuine, authentic, or real. It is used to describe things, people, or concepts as being true in essence or not counterfeit, often with a stronger emphasis on authenticity than the simple word vrai.

Etymology and form: the term derives from Latin verus meaning true, passing through Old and Middle French before arriving at the modern form vé ritable. The suffix -able in this word is part of a long-standing pattern in French to form adjectives with a strong evaluative sense.

Usage and nuances: véritable is commonly placed before a noun to intensify its meaning, as in un véritable chef-d’œuvre (a genuine masterpiece) or une véritable amitié (a true friendship). It can also follow the noun in certain constructions, as in un artiste véritable (a genuine artist). In general, vrai can denote factual truth or correctness, while véritable emphasizes authenticity, intrinsic merit, or genuineness. The distinction is subtle and context-dependent; véritable often carries a more formal or emphatic tone.

Marketing and style: in branding or descriptive writing, véritable is used to signal authenticity, craftsmanship, or quality, for example produit véritable or café véritable, though it can sound elevated or literary in everyday speech.

Related forms: véritablement is the adverb meaning “truly” or “genuinely.” Synonyms include authentique, réel, and sincère; antonyms include faux or mensonger.

See also: Vérité, Authenticité, Vrai.