bona fide

1. 1
   genuineadjective

   Really what it seems or is said to be, not a fake or a copy.

   Our class got to hold a bona fide dinosaur bone at the museum.

   Experts checked the old letter and said it was bona fide.

   Similargenuine, authentic

   Oppositecounterfeit, bogus

   Note
2. 2
   adjective

   Honest and meant for real, with no trick or secret reason behind it.

   She made a bona fide offer to help, and she meant every word.

   Her apology was bona fide: she really felt sorry for what she said.

   Similarsincere

   Oppositeinsincere, dishonest

   Note
3. 3
   adverb

   In an honest way, really meaning what you do or say.

   She signed the agreement bona fide, trusting that it was fair.

   If you act bona fide and still make a mistake, the club will not punish you.

   Similarsincerely, genuinely, honestly, legitimately

   Oppositeinsincerely, dishonestly, fraudulently

   Note

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