bona fides

[boh-nuh fahy-deez, boh-nuh-fahydz, boh-nah fee-des]

noun

1. (italics),  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.

2. (sometimes italics),  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.

bona fides

/ ˈbəʊnə ˈfaɪdiːz /

noun

1. law good faith; honest intention

Usage

Bona fides is from the singular Latin phrase bona fidēs , meaning “good faith,” and has the same meaning in English. But 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 all varieties of speech and writing. The adjective bona fide (without the “s”) is from a Latin phrase meaning “in good faith, with good faith.” It was originally used adverbially in this sense, but is now mainly an adjective. The meaning “authentic, true” is a later development sometimes denounced as sloppy usage, but its use is bona fide and widespread.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bona fides¹

First recorded in 1835–40; from Latin bona fidēs “good faith”

Word History and Origins

Origin of bona fides¹

Latin

Example Sentences

“When you’re looking at the field right now, most people don’t know” much about the candidates in the crowded race despite their political bona fides.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In 2022, to prove his resistance bona fides, he forced a vote to end the legislative filibuster so Democrats could federalize state elections.

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Meanwhile, the pretrial rulings of federal district courts have reached contradictory conclusions on the bona fides of sports event contracts.

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It is a practice that has earned her salt-of-the-earth bona fides, although it has also come under scrutiny given the high levels of violence against politicians across Mexico.

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And when it comes to rock ‘n’ roll bona fides, Wings holds an embarrassment of riches.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• candor 
• earnestness 
• frankness 
• genuineness 
• goodwill 
• impartiality 
• probity 
• reliability 
• seriousness 
• trustworthiness 
• truth 
• truthfulness www.thesaurus.com
• veracity