candid

adjective can·did \ˈkan-dəd\

: expressing opinions and feelings in an honest and sincere way

photography : showing people acting in a natural way because they do not know that they are being photographed

Full Definition of CANDID

: white <candid flames>

: free from bias, prejudice, or malice : fair <a candid observer>

a : marked by honest sincere expression <a candid discussion>

b : indicating or suggesting sincere honesty and absence of deception <her candid face>

c : disposed to criticize severely : blunt <candid critics>

: relating to or being photography of subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed

— can·did·ly adverb

— can·did·ness noun

See candid defined for English-language learners

See candid defined for kids

Examples of CANDID

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
If Bart Knaggs had been totally candid, he would have told me that when his prospective father-in-law, who was a doctor, had heard that the cancer had moved into my lungs, he said to Bart, “Well, your friend is dead.” —Lance Armstrong , It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001
There are candid … anecdotes of open-heart surgery. —Joyce Carol Oates, New York Times Book Review, 30 Sept. 1990
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Origin of CANDID

French & Latin; French candide, from Latin candidus bright, white, from candēre to shine, glow; akin to Welsh can white, Sanskrit candati it shines

First Known Use: 1606

Related to CANDID

Synonyms: frank, direct, forthcoming, forthright, foursquare, freehearted, free-spoken, honest, open, openhearted, out-front, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved, up-front

Antonyms: dissembling, uncandid, unforthcoming

Synonym Discussion of CANDID

frank, candid, open, plain mean showing willingness to tell what one feels or thinks. frank stresses lack of shyness or secretiveness or of evasiveness from considerations of tact or expedience <frank discussions>. candid suggests expression marked by sincerity and honesty especially in offering unwelcome criticism or opinion <a candid appraisal>. open implies frankness but suggests more indiscretion than frank and less earnestness than candid <open in saying what they think>. plain suggests outspokenness and freedom from affectation or subtlety in expression <plain talk>.