Bona fide — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈbō-nə-ˌfīd/ bo·na fide

Meaning & Definition of Bona fide

Bona fide (adjective)

  1. authentic, true, or real, genuine
  2. made honestly with earnest intent, sincere
  3. made in good faith without fraud or deceit

Bona fide (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. being exactly as appears or as claimed

    "a bona fide war hero"

    similar: authentic, certifiable, certified, dinkum (Australian & New Zealand), echt, genuine, honest, pukka, real, right, sure-enough, true, for real
    related: actual, historical, original, lawful, legal, legitimate, identifiable, recognizable, verifiable, proven, substantiated, validated, verified, incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, irrefutable, undeniable, undoubted, unmistakable, unquestionable, veritable, very, accurate, correct, proper, pure, unadulterated, unalloyed
    opposite: bogus, counterfeit, fake, false, mock, phony, pseudo, sham, spurious, suppositious, supposititious, unauthentic, unreal
    near: artificial, factitious, imitation, man-made, simulated, synthetic, unnatural, concocted, fabricated, manufactured, deceptive, delusive, delusory, misleading

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Bona fide

The most common words with a similar meaning to Bona fide:

Australian & New Zealand: dinkum
authentic, certifiable, certified, echt, genuine, honest, pukka, real, right, sure-enough, true, for real

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Bona fide

Words with the opposite meaning of Bona fide:

bogus, counterfeit, fake, false, mock, phony, pseudo, sham, spurious, suppositious, supposititious, unauthentic, unreal

Related Words for Bona fide

actual, historical, original, lawful, legal, legitimate, identifiable, recognizable, verifiable, proven, substantiated, validated, verified, incontestable, incontrovertible, indisputable, indubitable, irrefutable, undeniable, undoubted, unmistakable, unquestionable, veritable, very, accurate, correct, proper, pure, unadulterated, unalloyed

Near Antonyms of Bona fide

artificial, factitious, imitation, man-made, simulated, synthetic, unnatural, concocted, fabricated, manufactured, deceptive, delusive, delusory, misleading

Origin & Etymology of Bona fide

Latin, literally, in good faith

First known use: 1732

Frequently Asked Questions about Bona fide

What does "Bona fide" mean?

"Bona fide" means authentic, true, or real, genuine. As an adjective, it is defined as: authentic, true, or real, genuine.

What is another word for "Bona fide"?

Other words for "Bona fide" include authentic, certifiable, certified, dinkum, echt, genuine, honest and pukka. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Bona fide" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Bona fide"?

There are 43 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Bona fide". Common alternatives include authentic, certifiable, certified, dinkum, echt, genuine, honest, pukka, real and right.

What is the opposite of "Bona fide"?

Antonyms of "Bona fide" include bogus, counterfeit, fake, false, mock, phony, pseudo and sham. Near antonyms include artificial, factitious, imitation and man-made.

How do you use "Bona fide" in a sentence?

Examples of "Bona fide" in a sentence: "a bona fide war hero".

Is "Bona fide" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Bona fide" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Bona fide"?

"Bona fide" is pronounced /ˈbō-nə-ˌfīd/ and divided into syllables as bo·na fide.

What is the origin of the word "Bona fide"?

"Bona fide" comes from Latin, literally, in good faith. First known use: 1732.