51Թ

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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

“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
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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.
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of bona fides1

First recorded in 1835–40; from Latin bona fidēs “good faith”
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51Թ History and Origins

Origin of bona fides1

Latin
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Democrats running for governor in 2026 hurried among caucus meetings, floor speeches and after-parties, telling their personal stories and talking up their bona fides for tackling some of California’s most entrenched problems, including housing affordability and the rising cost of living.

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Much of the campaigning has unfolded on social media, where would-be judges with limited public profiles hype their bona fides.

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In the context of Capitol Hill negotiations, he was showing off his moderate bona fides, resisting the pull from conservatives to slash the program ever further.

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A novel with such popular appeal that you might find yourself questioning its literary bona fides.

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The Double Scorpio brand has sleek packaging, hip social media presence and LGBTQ-owned bona fides that helped reach new users.

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