candid
Candid (adj) means Honest and direct, even when the truth might be uncomfortable. Example: “He gave a candid account of the company's failures.”
How to use candid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing frank and truthful, or (for photos) natural and unstaged.
Word forms
more candid comparative, candider comparative, candids plural, most candid superlative, candidest superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
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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