candid
adjective
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The Many Shades of Candid
It is interesting that candid, which has the original meaning in English of “white,” should have so many colors of meaning. The word comes from the French candide, which is from the Latin candidus (“bright, white”). Candid is not often used to mean “white” these days, and has shed another of its older meanings, “clear, pure.” Many of its current meanings are concerned with forms of honesty and forthrightness. It may refer to the indication or suggestion of sincere honesty (“her candid eyes”), or to something being marked by honest expression (“a candid talk”). However, it also carries the meaning of bluntness (or “disposed to criticize severely”), as well as “free from bias, prejudice, or malice.” The most recent sense it has taken on is in the vocabulary of photography: “relating to or being photography of subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed.”
Synonyms
- direct
- forthcoming
- forthright
- foursquare
- frank
- free-spoken
- freehearted
- honest
- open
- openhearted
- out-front
- outspoken
- plain
- plainspoken
- straight
- straightforward
- unguarded
- unreserved
- up-front
Example Sentences
Lance Armstrong, It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001 To be candid, I have wondered whether it is fair to write about a man for whom I cannot help but feel a real distaste. Jill Lepore, Journal of American History, June 2001 There are candid … anecdotes of open-heart surgery. Joyce Carol Oates, New York Times Book Review, 30 Sept. 1990 He was quite candid about his past. She gave us her candid opinion on the matter. Giovana Gelhoren, Peoplemag, 13 Sep. 2022 While in Canada running their brand-new restaurant Emile's Black Point Bistro, Williams and Hoang sat down between two services for a candid conversation about the highs and lows of Lucille's. Emma Balter, Chron, 26 Aug. 2022 In a candid conversation on the PEOPLE Ever Day podcast, the R&B singer talked about the image he was forced to lean into as a teenager in the music industry and how what was portrayed was far from his reality. Brande Victorian, Essence, 18 Aug. 2022 Start with a very candid conversation about the goals for their position. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 6 July 2022 In the wake of Roe v. Wade's overturning in the U.S., Meghan Markle and Gloria Steinem had a candid conversation for British Vogue about what happens next and how they are dedicated to taking action to reverse it. Alyssa Bailey, ELLE, 30 June 2022 Another day, another sultry and candid Bella Hadid photo dump. Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 22 Aug. 2022 Pugh also threaded in candid commentary on misogyny, body shaming and her personal journey with body acceptance into the post. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2022 Empowering others keeps us used to give candid feedback to improve our teamwork. Anton Pavlovsky, Forbes, 11 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
French & Latin; French candide, from Latin candidus bright, white, from candēre to shine, glow; akin to Welsh can white, Sanskrit candati it shines
1597, in the meaning defined at sense 4
Phrases Containing candid
Kids Definition
candid
adjective
candid
adjective
Synonyms & Similar Words
- honest
- outspoken
- frank
- forthright
- straightforward
- forthcoming
- plainspoken
- vocal
- direct
- unguarded
- openhearted
- blunt
- open
- unreserved
- plain
- sincere
- earnest
- free-spoken
- straight
- up-front
- ingenuous
- guileless
- real
- naive
- uninhibited
- artless
- unpretentious
- unaffected
- outgoing
- foursquare
- out-front
- unpretending
- freehearted
- innocent
- rude
- vociferous
- brusque
- gruff
- curt
- unrestrained
- naïve
- natural
- tactless
- undiplomatic
- abrupt
- thoughtless
- impolite
- sharp
- crusty
- ungracious
- impertinent
- undesigning
- unsubtle
- bluff
- inconsiderate
- unmannerly
- uncivil
- brusk
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- restrained
- laconic
- uncandid
- reticent
- quiet
- evasive
- unforthcoming
- tactful
- inhibited
- ambiguous
- taciturn
- reserved
- diplomatic
- uncommunicative
- equivocal
- polite
- dissembling
- circuitous
- courteous
- close-mouthed
- tight-lipped
- politic
- civil
- considerate
Synonyms & Similar Words
- impartial
- equitable
- equal
- objective
- frank
- unbiased
- dispassionate
- disinterested
- unprejudiced
- indifferent
- evenhanded
- square
- just
- forthright
- nonpartisan
- fair
- straightforward
- balanced
- reasonable
- rational
- open
- straight
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- partial
- partisan
- biased
- unjust
- nonobjective
- deceptive
- dishonest
- prejudiced
- inequitable
- deceitful
- one-sided
- unreasonable
- arbitrary
- jaundiced
- unsympathetic
- unconscionable
- unfriendly
- colored
- parti pris
- ex parte
- distorted
- warped
Synonym Chooser
Some common synonyms of candid are frank, open, and plain. While all these words mean "showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks," candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion.
The synonyms frank and candid are sometimes interchangeable, but frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience.
Open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid.
The words plain and candid can be used in similar contexts, but plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression.