bona fide crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "bona fide" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. We provide quick and accurate solutions, along with explanations to help you understand the context and improve your solving skills.
Solutions for "bona fide crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
REAL: This common four-letter answer signifies something genuine or existing as a fact, directly aligning with 'bona fide'.
7 Letters
GENUINE: Truly what something is said to be; authentic. A perfect match for 'bona fide'.
9 Letters
AUTHENTIC: Of undisputed origin; genuine. This longer answer provides a comprehensive synonym for 'bona fide'.
More About "bona fide crossword clue"
"Bona fide" is a Latin phrase that translates literally to "in good faith." Its use in English dates back centuries and it maintains its original meaning of being genuine, sincere, and authentic. When you encounter "bona fide" as a crossword clue, the setter is looking for a synonym that captures this essence of truthfulness and reality.
This clue often appears in crosswords because of its clear and precise meaning, which allows for several common English synonyms across various letter lengths. Recognizing its core meaning will help you quickly identify potential answers like REAL, TRUE, GENUINE, or AUTHENTIC, depending on the letter count and intersecting words.
Understanding the nuance of "bona fide" can also help you with other Latin-derived clues, as many crosswords feature similar academic or legal terms. Knowing the root meaning often unlocks a whole family of related answers.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: "Bona fide" suggests authenticity. Look for answers that convey sincerity, truth, or unadulterated quality.
- Consider Letter Count: Always check the number of boxes provided. This is the quickest way to eliminate many possibilities and narrow down your search for synonyms like REAL (4 letters) or GENUINE (7 letters).
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters from already solved words to confirm or rule out potential answers. This is a fundamental crossword strategy that is crucial for trickier clues.
- Think of Synonyms & Antonyms: If you're stuck, brainstorm words with similar meanings to "bona fide" and even consider its opposites (e.g., fake, counterfeit) to sometimes find indirect connections.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "bona fide" mean in everyday language?
"Bona fide" is a Latin phrase meaning "in good faith." In common usage, it describes something that is genuine, real, or authentic, as opposed to fake or counterfeit. For example, a "bona fide offer" is a real and sincere proposal.
Why is "bona fide" a common crossword clue?
Its Latin origin and clear, widely understood meaning make it a versatile clue. It has many direct synonyms (like real, true, genuine, authentic) that fit various letter counts, providing setters with flexible options and solvers with a good challenge to think of precise synonyms.
How can I easily find synonyms for "bona fide" in crosswords?
To find synonyms, always think of the core meaning: 'real' or 'genuine'. Consider common synonyms like REAL, TRUE, GENUINE, AUTHENTIC, LEGIT, or ACTUAL. Also, look at the number of letters required and any intersecting letters to narrow down the possibilities. Online crossword solvers like Answercrossword.com are also great tools!