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I replied to someone's text by saying, "I have to genuinely agree with you." However, the person told me that the word "genuinely" in this sentence is redundant. It dilutes the sentence.

Is it OK to use genuinely to emphasize more or sarcastically? If it is redundant then why?

Here is the text history:

Person 1: Can you give some tips on how not to mix things up when I’m talking about multiple gifts?

Person 2" (Replied to Person 1): If you have trouble talking about multiple gifts then don’t talk about multiple gifts

Me (Replied to Person 2):I have to genuinely agree with you. As it could become more complicated

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  • If you said this at all, you would normally say, I genuinely have to agree with you.
    – Jeffrey Carney
    Commented Apr 21, 2022 at 14:45
  • I don't think it is sarcastic.
    – Lambie
    Commented Apr 21, 2022 at 14:45
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    @Astralbee I am pretty sure. It was my reply. I made the sentence.
    – Ghost
    Commented Apr 21, 2022 at 14:49
  • @Ghost apologies, I got so wrapped up in the meaning I didn't notice it was something you said rather than heard.
    – Astralbee
    Commented Apr 21, 2022 at 14:52
  • @Astralbee Please do not apologise. Do you think I am correct?
    – Ghost
    Commented Apr 21, 2022 at 15:09

2 Answers 2

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It would only be redundant if the context or the circumstances made it so.

"Genuinely" adds the meaning that you are being genuine, or truthful, in what you say. Really, that would only be completely necessary if there was some doubt as to the genuineness of the reply. It might also be useful if the point being agreed with (sticking with your example) was perhaps unusual, or controversial, and the speaker anticipates some surprise at their agreement.

Some native English speakers do have a habit of using words like genuinely, really, honestly, truthfully etc simply for emphasis, rather than to qualify that something is true. This kind of use could be considered redundant if it added nothing to the meaning.

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I don't really think the problem is redundancy, agreement isn't always absolute and can be subject to gradation or stress.

However, "genuine agreement" hits the ear wrong, at least for me.

You could substitute 'genuinely' with 'sincerely' to emphasize that you honestly agree with someone or something. Or "totally" to emphasize absolute agreement.

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