First Known Use: 1606
Dictionary
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
1
: white <candid flames>
3
4
: 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
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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
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>.
CANDIDNESS Defined for Kids
candid
adjective can·did \ˈkan-dəd\
Definition of CANDID for Kids
1
: marked by or showing honesty : frank <a candid discussion>
2
: relating to photography of people acting naturally without being posed <a candid picture>
— can·did·ly adverb <She spoke candidly about her mistakes.>
Learn More About CANDID
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