bona fides
(italics)Latin.(used with a singular verb) 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.: Compare mala fides.
(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.
Origin of bona fides
1usage note For bona fides
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.
Words that may be confused with bona fides
- bona fide, bona fides (see usage note at the current entry)
Words Nearby bona fides
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use bona fides in a sentence
Leaving aside the stereotypes that CBS’s audience is old and Vice’s is young, both companies have been playing up their international bona fides lately.
Media Briefing: As Pride Month approaches, LGBTQ+ media companies are seeing last-minute growth in ad spend | Tim Peterson | May 20, 2021 | DigidayJust ask Shipley, a YouTube detective of sorts who tracks down and exposes people who masquerade as former commandos or otherwise exaggerate their military bona fides.
The state historically was known as a coal ash capital, a place where lawmakers touted their pro-business bona fides by denouncing regulations, and Georgia Power had a track record of delaying or blocking efforts to regulate pollution.
Strickland and her two partners all came from similar backgrounds, with extensive scientific experience but limited business bona fides.
Startups are racing to reproduce breast milk in the lab | Katie McLean | December 18, 2020 | MIT Technology ReviewDespite his literary bona fides, Ovbiagele didn’t do any writing until he’d left banking.
The Potential Oscar Film That’s Too Hot for the Nigerian Government | Daniel Malloy | December 16, 2020 | Ozy
Proving his far-right bona fides is just one aspect of the newly energized Roberts campaign.
As Roberts and Orman Double Down, It’s War in Kansas | Eleanor Clift | October 1, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTWhy so many people are so eager to flaunt their musical bona fides by loathing Coldplay.
Why Is It Cool to Hate Coldplay? A First Listen of New Album ‘Ghost Stories’ | Andrew Romano | March 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBetter still, his military bona fides give him the kind of street cred that is rare among the political class.
Tom Cotton’s Run for Senate in Arkansas Makes Him the New Neocon Darling | Michelle Cottle | August 9, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTFor his part, Bright has been pushing his conservative bona fides.
Lindsey Graham’s Tea Party Opponents Are Emerging | David Freedlander | July 26, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTThe two-decade veteran of the House of Representatives wears his Fighting Irish bona fides with pride.
It was an instantaneous apparition of absolute bodily substance, which carried its own warrant of complete bona fides.
Devil-Worship in France | Arthur Edward WaiteMiss Jessimina asked what had she done that I should be in dubitation as to her bona fides?
Baboo Jabberjee, B.A. | F. AnsteyHe declares that he wants work, honest work, and he considers that his "certificate" vouches for his bona fides.
London's Underworld | Thomas HolmesI had impressed upon him that this was essential in order to test the bona fides of the tenderers.
The Chronicles of a Gay Gordon | Jos Maria GordonRaven'll be doubting the bona fides of his own footmen and his own garden lads next.
Ravensdene Court | J. S. (Joseph Smith) Fletcher
British Dictionary definitions for bona fides
/ (ˈbəʊnə ˈfaɪdiːz) /
law good faith; honest intention
Origin of bona fides
1Collins 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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