First Known Use: 1600
Dictionary
candidate
noun can·di·date \ˈkan-də-ˌdāt, ˈka-nə-, -dət\
: a person who is trying to be elected
: a person who is being considered for a job, position, award, etc.
: a person who meets all the requirements for something
Full Definition of CANDIDATE
1
a : one that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office, membership, or award <a candidate for governor> b : one likely or suited to undergo or be chosen for something specified <a candidate for surgery>
2
: a student in the process of meeting final requirements for a degree
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Origin of CANDIDATE
Latin candidatus, from candidatus clothed in white, from candidus white; from the white toga worn by candidates for office in ancient Rome
Related to CANDIDATE
- Antonyms
- noncandidate
Other Education Terms
Rhymes with CANDIDATE
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CANDIDATE Defined for Kids
candidate
noun can·di·date \ˈkan-də-ˌdāt\
Definition of CANDIDATE for Kids
1
: a person who is trying to be elected <a presidential candidate>
2
: a person who is being considered for a position or honor <a job candidate>
Word History of CANDIDATE
A person campaigning for public office in ancient Rome traditionally wore a toga that had been whitened with chalk when he greeted voters in the Forum. Hence the Latin word for an office seeker came to be candidatus, literally meaning “wearing white”; this word itself comes from the adjective candidus, “white, bright.” In the 1600s the word candidatus was borrowed into English to denote someone aspiring to an office, job, or honor.
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