noun

candor

KAN-duh

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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.”

noun

The quality of being honest and straightforward in what you say, even when the truth is uncomfortable.

"She spoke with such candor about her mistakes that the whole room respected her more."

"The CEO's candor about the company's losses surprised the shareholders."

Fairness and freedom from bias in judging something.

"The judge was praised for the candor of his rulings."

How to use candor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBeing openly and bluntly honest, especially about things people might prefer to hide.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "candy" or "candid" — though "candid" is the related adjective form (a candid person shows candor).

Easily confused with

candour →

Common pairings

speak with candor refreshing candor brutal candor

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: candors

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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.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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fairness frankness candour candidness directness forthrightness fair-mindedness

Antonyms

guile cunning artifice chicanery deception

Related words

build lying cute trick skill craft fraud clever

Rhymes for candor

Sandor

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.

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