candor

American  

[kan-der] / ˈkæn dər /

especially British, candour

noun

1. the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression; candidness.

   The candor of the speech impressed the audience.

2. freedom from bias; fairness; impartiality.

   to consider an issue with candor.

   Synonyms:

   truthful , honesty , frankness , openness

3. Obsolete.  kindliness.

4. Obsolete.  purity.

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Etymology

Origin of candor

First recorded in 1350–1400 (for sense “extreme whiteness”); Middle English, from Latin: “radiance, whiteness”; candid, -or ¹

Example Sentences

Her candor offers rare visibility into a disability that often progresses quietly and privately for millions.

From Salon

So last week’s remarks by Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley deserve credit for candor, as well as for the public service of telling politicians a hard truth about the American labor force.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fans praised her candor and creativity, agreeing that Musk could do more with his wealth.

From Salon

But because of Nishio-san’s candor and affection, life is easier to process.

From Salon

This candor appeals to a subset of pop fans who are increasingly invested in drawing links between song lyrics and real-life entanglements.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• directness
• fairness
• frankness
• honesty
• outspokenness
• probity
• simplicity
• sincerity
• truthfulness