Mala Fide
adjective / adverb /ˌmæl.ə ˈfaɪ.di/ — In bad faith; with intent to deceive
Definition
Acting in bad faith — with intent to deceive or with knowledge of a false claim. Mala fide is the legal opposite of bona fide: it names dishonest, fraudulent, or deceptive intention.
Beyond the definition
Mala fide is bad faith named. It's the word for when someone enters an agreement, relationship, or negotiation knowing they are deceiving the other party. The legal term gives precision to the betrayal.
Origin & history
Latin: 'in bad faith'. From mala (bad) + fide (faith). The direct counterpart to bona fide, used when actions or claims are made with dishonest intent.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The contract was entered into mala fide — he never intended to fulfil his obligations.
Acting mala fide can void contracts and expose the party to damages claims.
Mala fide negotiations are recognisable in retrospect: the deal that could never be made.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Mala Fide” when the meaning fits your context: Acting in bad faith — with intent to deceive or with knowledge of a false claim. Mala fide is the legal opposite of bona fide: it names dishonest, fraudulent, or deceptive intention.
Synonyms
in bad faith, deceitfully, dishonestly, with fraudulent intent
Antonyms
bona fide, good faith, honestly
Related words
Mala Fide vs bad faith
Mala fide is the formal, legalistic term for acting with deceitful intent. Bad faith is the common, everyday equivalent used in both legal and casual conversation.
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
Deceptive Mimicry of Another
One adult looks in a mirror while their partner copies their pose and expression.
This illustration shows a person mirroring another's actions to deceive or manipulate, representing mala fide. It names the legal concept of bad faith, where an individual acts with intent to deceive rather than through honest or sincere engagement.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Mala Fide" mean?
Mala Fide is adjective / adverb meaning: In bad faith; with intent to deceive. Acting in bad faith — with intent to deceive or with knowledge of a false claim. Mala fide is the legal opposite of bona fide: it names dishonest, fraudulent, or deceptive intention.
Where does the word "Mala Fide" come from?
Latin: 'in bad faith'. From mala (bad) + fide (faith). The direct counterpart to bona fide, used when actions or claims are made with dishonest intent.