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[1447] Bona fide

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English Idioms
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Explanation

  • Genuine, real, authentic; undertaken in good faith, without intention to deceive.

Origin

  • Latin, meaning in good faith.
  • Originally a legal term signifying actions taken sincerely and honestly, without fraud or deceit (e.g., a bona fide purchaser buys something without knowing it was stolen).
  • Now widely used in general English to mean simply genuine or authentic.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • Genuine
  • Authentic
  • Real
  • Legitimate (legit slang)
  • Actual
  • Sincere (when referring to intentions or efforts)
  • The real deal (informal)
  • Kosher (informal slang, from Yiddish, meaning proper/legitimate)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • Legit
  • The real McCoy (Older slang for genuine)
  • For real
  • True
  • On the level (honest, genuine)
  • 100% / One hundred (AAVE influence, meaning authentic/real)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

  • A real-ass [noun] (e.g., a real-ass diamond)
  • The actual fucking [noun] (e.g., the actual fucking original)

Milder/Standard:

  • Genuine
  • Authentic
  • Legitimate
  • Actual
  • Veritable (more formal)

Situational Appropriateness

  • Can be used in both formal (legal, business, academic) and informal contexts.
  • Adds a degree of formality or emphasis compared to just saying real or genuine.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Ensure learners understand it means genuine or acting in good faith.
  • Clarify the common English pronunciation (BOH-nuh-fied).
  • Distinguish from mala fide (in bad faith).

Examples

  • Is this a bona fide Rolex watch or a fake?
  • She presented bona fide credentials as a journalist.
  • He made a bona fide effort to complete the project on time.
  • They are a bona fide charity organization.

Dialogue

Art Dealer: This painting is attributed to Picasso.

Collector: Is it a bona fide Picasso? Do you have documentation?

Art Dealer: Absolutely, bona fide. We have full provenance and expert verification right here.

Collector: Excellent. Let's discuss the price.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: Just found a bona fide hidden gem cafe in the city! Amazing coffee. #LocalFinds #CoffeeLover
  • Instagram Bio: Bona fide nerd. Proud of it. 🤓
  • News Headline: Company Faces Lawsuit Over Lack of Bona Fide Safety Measures.

Response Patterns

  • Acceptance: Okay, it looks bona fide. / Good, I only want bona fide goods.
  • Skepticism/Inquiry: Are you sure it's bona fide? How can you prove it?
  • Appreciation: Wow, a bona fide first edition!

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After something is claimed to be bona fide:

  • Asking for proof or verification (certificates, documentation).
  • Examining the item/person closely.

After accepting something as bona fide:

  • Proceeding with a transaction or interaction based on its genuineness.
  • Expressing trust or relief.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Used to describe or inquire about the authenticity of something specific.

Intonation

  • Stress usually on Bo- (BOH-nuh) and fide (FIED). Sometimes fide is pronounced closer to Latin (FEE-day), but FIED is very common in English.
  • Often used emphatically to assert authenticity. This is a BONA FIDE antique!

Generation Differences

  • Understood across generations, perhaps slightly more common in formal speech or writing, or among older generations.

Regional Variations

  • Used across English-speaking regions. Pronunciation BOH-nuh-fied is very common.
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