bona fides

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

noun

1. (italics) Latin. (used with a singular verb) good faith; absence of fraud or deceit; the state of being exactly as claims or appearances indicate: Compare mala fides.

   The bona fides of this contract is open to question.

2. (sometimes italics) (used with a plural verb) 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 Note

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

He did have academic bona fides: a Ph.D. from Yale and experience in university administration, running the tiny Midland University in Nebraska.

From New York Times

Those good vibes continued — the hit-making, swoon-worthy duo never taking themselves too seriously despite serious songwriting chops and bona fides — for intimate co-headlining solo acoustic performances.

From Los Angeles Times

He didn’t do well in favorability polls, thanks possibly to all the snide comments he’d made about women who don’t have children during the period of his Ohio campaign when he was trying to prove his hard-right bona fides.

From Slate

“Big River” established the company’s musical bona fides.

From Los Angeles Times

Many rank-and-file Teamsters see and applaud Harris’ pro-labor record and bona fides.

From Slate

Related Words

• candor
• earnestness
• frankness
• genuineness
• goodwill
• impartiality
• probity
• reliability
• seriousness
• trustworthiness
• truth
• truthfulness
• veracity