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bona-fide

adjective

/ˌbəʊnə ˈfʌɪdi/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of bona-fide

Genuine, authentic, and made or carried out in good faith, without deception or fraudulent intent.
"She was a bona fide member of the organization."

Detailed meaning of bona-fide

When something is labeled as bona fide, it signifies its true and legitimate nature, indicating that it is exactly as it appears or claims to be. This term is often employed in various contexts, such as business, law, and personal transactions, to emphasize the sincerity and honesty of a party's intentions or the authenticity of a document, product, or offer. For instance, a bona fide job offer signifies a legitimate employment opportunity, while a bona fide buyer refers to a genuine purchaser in a real estate transaction. Overall, "bona fide" conveys a sense of trustworthiness and credibility, reassuring individuals that they can rely on the authenticity and honesty of the subject in question.

Example sentences containing bona-fide

1. After thorough examination, the expert confirmed that the painting was a bona fide masterpiece.
2. Her credentials proved that she was a bona fide specialist in ancient languages.
3. The signed letter from the President made the invitation a bona fide offer.
4. With his exceptional culinary skills, he quickly established himself as a bona fide chef.
5. The document bore the official seal, which made it a bona fide certificate of authenticity.
6. After years of hard work, her band became a bona fide sensation in the music industry.

History and etymology of bona-fide

The adjective 'bona fide' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is a Latin phrase composed of 'bona,' meaning 'goods' or 'property,' and 'fides,' meaning 'faith' or 'trust.' In essence, 'bona fide' originally referred to something that was made or carried out in good faith, particularly in legal and contractual contexts, indicating that the transaction or agreement was genuine, authentic, and free from deception or fraudulent intent. Over time, the phrase was adopted into English as a single adjective, 'bona fide,' to describe anything that is truly and sincerely what it appears to be, reflecting its Latin roots emphasizing trustworthiness and authenticity.

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Further usage examples of bona-fide

1. He was relieved to find out that the job offer he received was bona fide and not a scam.
2. The rare baseball card was assessed by experts and deemed to be a bona fide collector's item.
3. Her extensive knowledge of classic literature confirmed that she was a bona fide scholar.
4. He completed his training and passed all the necessary exams to become a bona fide electrician.
5. The community recognized his longstanding commitment to public service, cementing his status as a bona fide local hero.
6. His expertise in solving complicated math problems at such a young age marked him as a bona fide prodigy.
7. The antique dealer assured us that the painting was a bona fide masterpiece.
8. To secure the loan, he provided bona fide documentation of his income.
9. The archaeologist discovered a bona fide Roman coin buried in the soil.
10. Their commitment to the project was unquestionably bona fide.
11. The company offered a bona fide warranty on all its products.
12. We received a bona fide invitation to the prestigious gala.
13. Her bona fide expertise in the field was recognized worldwide.
14. The nonprofit organization was dedicated to bona fide charitable efforts.
15. The actor's performance was praised as a bona fide tour de force.
16. The contract was legally binding and considered bona fide by both parties.
17. The diamond's authenticity was confirmed as bona fide by a gemologist.
18. The news report featured a bona fide hero who saved a life.
19. The scientist presented bona fide research findings at the conference.
20. The signed letter was proof of a bona fide endorsement.
21. The chef's Italian restaurant was known for its bona fide cuisine.
22. The antique shop specialized in selling bona fide historical artifacts.
23. The lawyer provided a bona fide defense for her client in court.
24. The artist's portfolio showcased her bona fide talent and creativity.
25. The company was accredited as a bona fide member of the industry association.
26. The couple exchanged bona fide vows during their heartfelt wedding ceremony.