bona fide

American  

[boh-nuh fahyd, bon-uh, boh-nuh fahy-dee] / ˈboʊ nə ˌfaɪd, ˈbɒn ə, ˈboʊ nə ˈfaɪ di /

Or bona-fide

adjective

1. made, done, presented, etc., in good faith; without deception or fraud.

   a bona fide statement of intent to sell.

   Synonyms:

   legal, lawful, sincere, honest

   Antonyms:

   deceitful

2. authentic; true.

   a bona fide sample of Lincoln's handwriting.

   Synonyms:

   genuine

   Antonyms:

   false, spurious

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bona fide British  

adjective

1. real or genuine

   a bona fide manuscript

2. undertaken in good faith

   a bona fide agreement

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noun

1. informal a public house licensed to remain open after normal hours to serve bona fide travellers

bona fide Cultural  

1. Genuine: “The offer was a bona fide business opportunity: they really meant to carry it through.” From Latin, meaning “in good faith.”

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Usage

See bona fides.

Etymology

Origin of bona fide

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin bonā fidē “in good faith, with good faith,” ablative singular of (nominative singular) bona fidēs; see also bona fides ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bona fide

Over the last 20 years, social media exploded autumn into a bona fide brand, a capitalist sensation.

From Salon ● Sep. 14, 2026

Carr has challenged the status of “The View,” arguing that the topical chat show is not a bona fide news program and, thus, should not be entitled to the exemption.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026

But the EcoBoost doesn’t feel simplified or bona fide so much as it feels ancient.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 2026

British singer Olivia Dean was named best new artist after a year in which she has established herself as a bona fide global star.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026

"It's a bona fide deal. I happen to know about it."

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Related Words

• genuine
• legitimate