bona fides
Americannoun
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(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.
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(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.
noun
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.
Etymology
Origin of bona fides
First recorded in 1835–40; from Latin bona fidēs “good faith”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh could improve his inflation-fighting bona fides by raising short-term rates by 25 basis points.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 16, 2026
I ran Hernandez’s and Martinez Valladares’ thoughts by Bis, noting their GOP bona fides without identifying them by name.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026
Earlier this year, after a year and a half of challenges finding work, self-employed management consultant Grace Gravestock decided to both seek and promote some AI bona fides.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026
For older voters, he has Kennedy bona fides.
From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2026
More groups meant more opportunities for women to get closer to the research and establish their bona fides.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
