Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Genuine, authentic, not counterfeit or copied: Used to describe something that is real, true, or original, as opposed to being a fake or imitation.
   • Made or carried out in good faith, sincere: Used to describe an action, offer, or intention that is honest, without deceit or fraud.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The art expert confirmed it was a bona fide painting by Van Gogh. (The art expert confirmed it was a genuine painting by Van Gogh.)
  • She made a bona fide effort to resolve the conflict. (She made a sincere effort to resolve the conflict.)
  • They received a bona fide job offer from the reputable company. (They received a legitimate job offer from the reputable company.)

Advanced Usage

• Legal and Formal Contexts: Often used in legal, business, or formal contexts to emphasize legitimacy and sincerity.
  • The contract is only valid with a bona fide signature.
  • He is considered a bona fide resident of the state for tax purposes.

Variants and Related Words

• Bona fides (noun, plural): Documents or evidence proving a person's identity, qualifications, or good faith. Often used to mean "credentials" or "authenticity."
  • The journalist checked the source's bona fides before publishing the story.

Synonyms

• Authentic: Genuine, real.
• Legitimate: Conforming to the law or rules; valid.
• Sincere: Free from pretense or deceit; genuine in feeling.
• Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic.

Antonyms

• Counterfeit: Made in exact imitation of something valuable with the intent to deceive; fake.
• Fraudulent: Obtained, done by, or involving deception, especially criminal deception.
• Insincere: Not expressing genuine feelings.

Related Phrases and Usage Notes

• In bona fide: This Latin phrase, meaning "in good faith," is the origin of the English adjective. It is sometimes still used in its original form in very formal or legal writing.
  • The parties acted in bona fide during the negotiations.
• Bona fide purchaser: A legal term for someone who buys something without knowledge of any defects in the seller's title or any other issues.
  • The court protected the rights of the bona fide purchaser.

Adjective

1. not counterfeit or copied
   • an authentic signature
   • a bona fide manuscript
   • an unquestionable antique
   • photographs taken in a veritable bull ring
2. undertaken in good faith
   • a bona fide offer