How to Pronounce “bona fide”

American (US)

/ˌboʊnə ˈfaɪdi/

British (UK)

/ˌbəʊnə ˈfaɪdi/

adverb — In good faith; genuinely, sincerely.

Where the stress falls. “bona fide” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌboʊnə ˈfaɪdi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌboʊnə ˈfaɪdi/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "bona fide" mean?

bona fide (adverb): In good faith; genuinely, sincerely.

How do you pronounce "bona fide" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌboʊnə ˈfaɪdi/. British English: /ˌbəʊnə ˈfaɪdi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "bona fide"?

/ˌboʊnə ˈfaɪdi/ in American English, /ˌbəʊnə ˈfaɪdi/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "bona fide"?

“bona fide” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌboʊnə ˈfaɪdi/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

How to Pronounce Legal Terms — Latin and French, With Audio

Subpoena, tort, affidavit, bona fide and caveat — the Latin and Norman French vocabulary of the courtroom and the silent letters inside it.