Sin*cere" (?), a. [Compar. Sincerer (?); superl. Sincerest.] [L. sincerus, of uncertain origin; the first part perhaps akin to sin- in singuli (see Single), and the second to cernere to separate (cf. Discern): cf. F. sincere.]

1.

Pure; unmixed; unadulterated.

There is no sincere acid in any animal juice. Arbuthnot.

A joy which never was sincere till now. Dryden.

2.

Whole; perfect; unhurt; uninjured.

[Obs.]

The inviolable body stood sincere. Dryden.

3.

Being in reality what it appears to be; having a character which corresponds with the appearance; not falsely assumed; genuine; true; real; as, a sincere desire for knowledge; a sincere contempt for meanness.

A sincere intention of pleasing God in all our actions. Law.

4.

Honest; free from hypocrisy or dissimulation; as, a sincere friend; a sincere person.

The more sincere you are, the better it will fare with you at the great day of account. Waterland.

Syn. -- Honest; unfeigned; unvarnished; real; true; unaffected; inartificial; frank; upright. See Hearty.

 

© Webster 1913.