Bona

[ boh-nuh, -nah ]

/ ˈboʊ nə, -nɑ /

noun

Bône, the former name of Annaba.

Mount, a peak in S Alaska, in the Wrangell Mountains. 16,421 feet (5005 meters).

Definition for bona (2 of 2)

bona fides

[ boh-nah fee-des; English boh-nuh fahy-deez or especially for 2, boh-nuh-fahydz, bon-uh ]

/ ˈboʊ nɑ ˈfi dɛs; English ˈboʊ nə ˈfaɪ diz or especially for 2, ˈboʊ nəˌfaɪdz, ˈbɒn ə /

noun

(italics) Latin. (used with a singular verb) good faith; absence of fraud or deceit; the state of being exactly as claims or appearances indicate: The bona fides of this contract is open to question.Compare mala fides.

(sometimes italics) (used with a plural verb) the official papers, documents, or other items that prove authenticity, legitimacy, etc., as of a person or enterprise; credentials: All our bona fides are on file with the SEC.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH bona fides

bona fide bona fides (see usage note at the current entry)

usage note for bona fides

Bona fides is originally a Latin phrase meaning “good faith.” Fides is singular in Latin and has been used as such in English. At least partially because its -es ending makes bona fides look and sound like a plural, it has developed the plural sense “credentials.” This plural use, although criticized by some usage guides, has been increasing in recent decades in all varieties of speech and writing.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for bona

Another sent back a flat-screen television with a bona fide tombstone within.
The Insane $11 Billion Scam at Retailers’ Return Desks|M.L. Nestel|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A conservative coloring book publisher is out with a new title imagining the tea party heartthrob as a bona fide superhero.
Ted Cruz saves America in This Right-Wing Coloring Book|Asawin Suebsaeng|November 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Stephen Hawking is not only a bona fide genius, but also one of the most resilient men on the planet.
The Other Side of Stephen Hawking: Strippers, Aliens, and Disturbing Abuse Claims|Marlow Stern|November 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
By the time the CFDA awards rolled round in early 1994, Moss was a bona fide star.
Sex, Drugs, and Kate Moss: Secrets of a Wild Supermodel|Tom Sykes|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST

So, after toiling away for two decades, Elba has finally crossed over from critically acclaimed actor to bona fide tabloid fodder.
Idris Elba’s Battle of the Bulge: Moose Knuckles and Sexist Double Standards|Keli Goff|August 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Cossacks returned and assured their chief that the execution was bona fide.
The Missourian|Eugene P. (Eugene Percy) Lyle
As they entered the village, the sentry halted them to enquire as to their bona fides.
The Sky Pilot in No Man's Land|Ralph Connor
Evidently he was endeavouring to satisfy himself as to my bona fides.
Hushed Up|William Le Queux
His sisters were passionately devoted to him, and Bona, the Queen of Poland, tried in vain to marry him to one of her daughters.
Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan and Lorraine, 1522-1590|Julia Cartwright
None but bona fide residents can claim the benefit of this law.
How to Collect a Doctor Bill|Frank P. Davis

British Dictionary definitions for bona (1 of 2)

Bona

/ (ˈbəʊnə) /

noun

Mount Bona a mountain in S Alaska, in the Wrangell Mountains. Height: 5005 m (16 420 ft)

British Dictionary definitions for bona (2 of 2)

bona fides

/ (ˈbəʊnə ˈfaɪdiːz) /

noun

law good faith; honest intention

Word Origin for bona fides

Latin

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012