bona fide
The real deal
Bona fide means genuine or authentic, not counterfeit or false: a bona fide offer, bona fide credentials.
The phrase comes from Latin meaning "in good faith" and retains a legal sense of sincere intention without fraud or deception.
In casual use, it simply emphasizes legitimacy: She's a bona fide expert on the subject.
Truly existing, not fake
- legitimateConforming to accepted standards
- veritableTruly what's claimed
- originalFirst or inventive
- unalteredNot modified whatsoever
true · actual · undisputed · unadulterated · unfeigned · indubitable · certified · verified
Officially authorized or recognized
- licensedGranted official permission
- certifiedOfficially declared valid
- qualifiedMeeting necessary standards
- endorsedOfficially approved or supported
approved · sanctioned · recognized · chartered · registered · commissioned · ratified · validated
Deeply and sincerely meant
- earnestSincerely intense in purpose
- honestFree from deception
- candidHonest and direct
- truthfulAccurate and sincere
forthright · frank · open · guileless · ingenuous · unfeigned · wholehearted · devoted
Enforceable written agreement
- notarizedOfficially certified authentic
- swornBound by formal promise
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- attestationFormal declaration confirming truth
admissible · enforceable · binding · statutory · jurisprudence · compliance · lawful · legitimate
real
Truly existing, not fake
- legitimateConforming to accepted standards
- veritableTruly what's claimed
- originalFirst or inventive
unaltered · true · actual · undisputed · unadulterated · unfeigned · indubitable · certified · verified · proven
accredited
Officially authorized or recognized
- licensedGranted official permission
- certifiedOfficially declared valid
- qualifiedMeeting necessary standards
endorsed · approved · sanctioned · recognized · chartered · registered · commissioned · ratified · validated · authenticated
heartfelt
Deeply and sincerely meant
truthful · forthright · frank · open · guileless · ingenuous · unfeigned · wholehearted · devoted · faithful
contract
Enforceable written agreement
- notarizedOfficially certified authentic
- swornBound by formal promise
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
attestation · admissible · enforceable · binding · statutory · jurisprudence · compliance · lawful · legitimate · authorized
- authenticityauthentic, real, fake, counterfeit, bogus
- borrowed wordschic, naive, passe, avant-garde, faux
- trusttrust, believe, safety, reliability, belief
- authenticreal, true, veritable, legitimate, certified
- Authentic Itemsoriginal, authentic, real thing, sterling silver, solid gold
- sinceritysincerity, sincere, genuineness, honesty, candor
bona fidebad faith
Intentional deception in dealings
insincere · disingenuous · deceitful · duplicitous · dishonest
bona fideillegitimate
Not authorized or recognized
invalid · unauthorized · unofficial · unqualified · self-styled