1530s, "pure, unmixed," from Middle French sincere (16c.), from Latin sincerus, of things, "whole, clean, pure, uninjured, unmixed," figuratively "sound, genuine, pure, true, candid, truthful," of uncertain origin. Ground sense seems to be "that which is not falsified." Meaning "free from pretense or falsehood" in English is from 1530s.
There has been a temptation to see the first element as Latin sine "without." But there is no etymological justification for the common story that the word means "without wax" (*sin cerae), which is dismissed out of hand by OED and others, and the stories invented to justify that folk etymology are even less plausible. Watkins has it as originally "of one growth" (i.e. "not hybrid, unmixed"), from PIE *sm-ke-ro-, from *sem- "one" (see same) + root of crescere "to grow" (see crescent).
实用例句
1. I got this phone call from a gentleman, who seemed sincere enough.
这个电话是一位绅士打来的，他似乎非常诚恳。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Sincere performances and gritty Boston settings add to the film's realism.
真诚的表演和对波士顿这一背景城市的真实刻画增添了电影的现实主义色彩。
来自柯林斯例句
3. All the well-meant, sincere advice is largely wasted on him.
他对所有善意、真挚的建议基本都无动于衷。
来自柯林斯例句
4. There was a sincere expression of friendliness on both their faces.
他们俩的脸上都流露出真挚友好的表情。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Primo de Rivera himself was a benevolent and sincere paternalist.
