Bona Fide
adjective / adverb /ˌboʊ.nə ˈfaɪ.di/ — Genuine; real; in good faith
Definition
Genuine, real, and without deception — acting in good faith. A bona fide offer is a real one; a bona fide expert is genuinely expert; a bona fide effort is a sincere one. Bona fide is the antidote to pretence.
Beyond the definition
Bona fide is the word for authenticity in transactions and relationships — the assurance that nothing is concealed, that intentions are honest, that what appears real is real. Its absence — bad faith — is one of the most corroding forces in relationships.
Origin & history
Latin: 'in good faith'. From bona (good) + fide (faith). The legal standard of honest, sincere action without hidden agenda or fraudulent intent.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
Is this a bona fide offer or an attempt to get market information?
She was a bona fide expert — the credentials were real, the knowledge was genuine.
Bona fide is the word we use when we need to distinguish the real from the performed.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Bona Fide” when the meaning fits your context: Genuine, real, and without deception — acting in good faith. A bona fide offer is a real one; a bona fide expert is genuinely expert; a bona fide effort is a sincere one. Bona fide is the antidote to pretence.
Synonyms
genuine, authentic, sincere, in good faith
Antonyms
fraudulent, pretend, bad faith
Related words
Bona Fide vs bona fide
Bona fide describes something that is authentic or done in good faith. It is often contrasted with fraudulent or fake items, whereas 'genuine' is a broader synonym.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Tailor's Genuine Quality Craft
A tailor marks fine wool fabric draped on a wooden mannequin with careful, intentional precision.
The tailor's meticulous marking of the wool exemplifies a bona fide effort, where the action is sincere and executed with actual skill rather than pretense. The physical care shown confirms the authenticity of their work, free from deception or superficiality.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Bona Fide" mean?
Bona Fide is adjective / adverb meaning: Genuine; real; in good faith. Genuine, real, and without deception — acting in good faith. A bona fide offer is a real one; a bona fide expert is genuinely expert; a bona fide effort is a sincere one. Bona fide is the antidote to pretence.
Where does the word "Bona Fide" come from?
Latin: 'in good faith'. From bona (good) + fide (faith). The legal standard of honest, sincere action without hidden agenda or fraudulent intent.