noun

candour

KAN-duh

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Candour (noun) means the quality of speaking openly and honestly, even when the truth is awkward or unflattering. Example: “She answered questions about the failed launch with surprising candour.”

noun

The quality of speaking openly and honestly, even when the truth is awkward or unflattering.

"She answered questions about the failed launch with surprising candour."

"His candour about his own mistakes won the room over."

How to use candour

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSaying what you really think, even when it is uncomfortable.

When to use it

Slightly formal and always approving; British English spells it candour, American English candor.

Memory tip

The adjective is candid, not candourous; a person is candid and shows candour.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

candor → candid → candidate →

Common pairings

refreshing candour with candour brutal candour a moment of candour candour about

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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”.

Test yourself on “candour” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She answered questions about the failed launch with surprising _____.

Etymology

From Latin candor meaning brightness or whiteness, from candere to shine; the sense of openness developed from the idea of clarity.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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frankness openness honesty directness forthrightness candidness fairness candor

Antonyms

evasiveness guardedness

Related words

truth justice equality equity integrity honesty transparency willingness

Rhymes for candour

our hour four your pour sour tour dour flour scour odour amour

See all rhymes for candour →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between candour and honesty?

Honesty means not lying. Candour goes further and means volunteering the uncomfortable truth rather than staying safely silent. Someone can be honest yet guarded, but not candid and guarded at once.

Is it spelled candour or candor?

Both are correct. Candour is the British and Commonwealth spelling; candor is standard in the United States. The meaning is identical.

Is candour always a compliment?

Almost always. It implies courage and good faith. When the openness is felt to be tactless, writers usually reach for bluntness instead.

What is the meaning of candour?

"candour" (noun) means the quality of speaking openly and honestly, even when the truth is awkward or unflattering.

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truth justice equality equity integrity honesty transparency willingness