Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective made sincerely, in good faith
  • adjective genuine or authentic

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From the Latin bonā fidē (“in good faith”) which is the ablative of bona fidēs (“good faith”).

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Examples

  • The quality and uniqueness lit the fire in what can now be called a bonafide success story.

    Hat Planet | SciFi, Fantasy & Horror Collectibles 2009

  • JOHNS: OK, so does anybody really know how many so-called bonafide fugitive aliens there are in this country?

    CNN Transcript Apr 1, 2007 2007

  • He never had the kind of bonafide drug or alcohol problem that plagues nearly every successful rock musician eventually, and therefore can probably count on having a normal life expectancy, which not only fills me with unimaginable delight but also makes me wonder how the hell this man is going to come up with a comparable third act, and, yes, a satisfying denouement.

    Archive 2010-03-01 2010

  • He never had the kind of bonafide drug or alcohol problem that plagues nearly every successful rock musician eventually, and therefore can probably count on having a normal life expectancy, which not only fills me with unimaginable delight but also makes me wonder how the hell this man is going to come up with a comparable third act, and, yes, a satisfying denouement.

    Special Guest Post: Chérie l'Ecrivain Has Some Metal Writing Advice For You 2010

  • The possession of bill makes a consumer a "bonafide" customer and its absence robs him of a stronger footing in courts if he challenges a sale.

    The Times of India 2010

  • Network, Robertson, a former Republican candidate for the US presidency, makes Sarah Palin look like a 'bonafide' intellectual.

    GlobalResearch.ca 2010

  • "bonafide" passenger as defined under the Act. The Railway also said that there was no evidence to suggest that the death was accidental.

    Daily News & Analysis 2010

  • In the meantime, anybody ever know or hear of a bonafide hunting preacher?

    We have one poster who seems to be indicating he is a preacher. 2009

  • Nani, the one member of the starting quartet who's a bonafide regular under normal circumstances, was also central to the game's outcome—and not in a good way.

    Manchester United's Drive For 19 Hits Roadblock Gabriele Marcotti 2011

  • By opening the vault and hauling out $120 million, the Phillies added one of baseball's best pitchers, Cliff Lee, to a rotation that already includes two bonafide aces in Roy Halladay and Roy Oswalt, a potential superstar in Cole Hamels and a solid citizen in Joe Blanton.

    The Year of the Killer Rotation? Matthew Futterman 2011

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