English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
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adj

candid

KAN-dihd
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 notes

In plain EnglishBeing frank and truthful, or (for photos) natural and unstaged.

Common pairings
candid opinion candid photo to be candid

Word Forms

more candid comparative, candider comparative, candids plural, most candid superlative, candidest superlative

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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."

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial