candid

[kan-did]

adjective

1. frank; outspoken; open and sincere.

   a candid critic.

   Synonyms: plain, straightforward, guileless, ingenuous

2. free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge; straightforward.

   a candid opinion.

3. informal; unposed

   a candid photo.

4. honest; impartial.

   a candid mind.

5. Archaic.,  white.

6. Archaic.,  clear; pure.

noun

1. an unposed photograph.

candid

/ ˈkændɪd /

adjective

1. frank and outspoken

   he was candid about his dislike of our friends

2. without partiality; unbiased

3. unposed or informal

   a candid photograph

4. obsolete

   1. white

   2. clear or pure

Other Word Forms

• candidly adverb
• candidness noun
• pseudocandid adjective
• quasi-candid adjective
• subcandid adjective
• supercandid adjective
• uncandid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of candid¹

First recorded in 1620–30; (from French candide ) from Latin candidus “shining white,” equivalent to cand(ēre) “to be shining white” (akin to incense ¹ ) + -idus -id ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of candid¹

C17: from Latin candidus white, from candēre to be white

Synonym Study

See frank ¹.

Example Sentences

She released a candid memoir, My Thoughts Exactly, in the same year, but took a break from music shortly afterwards, and began dating Harbour in 2019.

Read more on BBC

Their candid contention: this government isn't good enough at explaining what it's doing, who it's for and what the prime minister is all about.

Read more on BBC

The Malaysia talks come after a "candid, in-depth and constructive" weekend call between He and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who will attend the meeting.

Read more on Barron's

The books is a candid look into the nonbinary author’s exploration of identity, chronicling the frustrations and joys and epiphanies of eir journey and self discovery.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Throughout the first several tracks, she confronts her inner monologue through candid lyrics, offering herself a reality check.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blunt 
• forthright 
• impartial 
• outspoken 
• sincere 
• straightforward 
• truthful 
• unbiased 
• unequivocal