candid
KAN-dihd
Candid (adj) means Honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable. Example: “He gave a candid account of the company's failures.”
adj
1
Honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable.
"He gave a candid account of the company's failures."
"Thank you for being so candid with me about the problem."
2
Natural and unposed, especially describing a photograph.
"The photographer preferred candid shots over stiff posed portraits."
noun
1
A photo taken without the subject posing.
"She kept a whole album of candids from the wedding."
How to use candid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing frank and truthful, or (for photos) natural and unstaged.
Common pairings
candid opinion
candid photo
to be candid
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Word forms
- Plural
- candids
- Comparative
- more candid, candider
- Superlative
- most candid, candidest
Fill the gap
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He gave a _____ account of the company's failures.
Etymology
From Latin candidus, "white, bright", the same root that gives "candour" and "candle" — the idea of being "clear" as well as "shining."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “candid” mean?
The word “candid” means honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable. In plain terms, being frank and truthful, or (for photos) natural and unstaged.
How do you pronounce “candid”?
“Candid” is pronounced KAN-dihd (/ˈkæn.dɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “candid” in a sentence?
Here is “candid” used in a sentence: “He gave a candid account of the company's failures.”
What part of speech is “candid”?
Depending on how it is used, “candid” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “candid” come from?
The word “candid” comes from Latin. From Latin candidus, "white, bright", the same root that gives "candour" and "candle" — the idea of being "clear" as well as "shining.".
Is “candid” a common word?
“Candid” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “candid” have?
“Candid” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable.
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