candor
Candor (noun) means the quality of being honest and straightforward in what you say, even when the truth is uncomfortable. Example: “She spoke with such candor about her mistakes that the whole room respected her more.”
How to use candor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing openly and bluntly honest, especially about things people might prefer to hide.
Don't confuse with "candy" or "candid" — though "candid" is the related adjective form (a candid person shows candor).
Word forms
candors plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She spoke with such _____ about her mistakes that the whole room respected her more.
Etymology
From Latin candor, meaning "brightness" or "whiteness," from candere, "to shine" — the idea of a bright, unclouded honesty.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for candor
See all rhymes for candor →Frequently asked questions
What does “candor” mean?
The word “candor” means the quality of being honest and straightforward in what you say, even when the truth is uncomfortable. In plain terms, being openly and bluntly honest, especially about things people might prefer to hide.
How do you pronounce “candor”?
“Candor” is pronounced KAN-duh (/ˈkæn.dɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “candor” in a sentence?
Here is “candor” used in a sentence: “She spoke with such candor about her mistakes that the whole room respected her more.”
What part of speech is “candor”?
“Candor” is a noun.
Where does the word “candor” come from?
The word “candor” comes from Latin. From Latin candor, meaning "brightness" or "whiteness," from candere, "to shine" — the idea of a bright, unclouded honesty.
How many meanings does “candor” have?
“Candor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the quality of being honest and straightforward in what you say, even when the truth is uncomfortable.