candidate

American  

[kan-di-deyt, -dit, kan-di-deyt] / ˈkæn dɪˌdeɪt, -dɪt, ˈkæn dɪˌdeɪt /

noun

1. a person who seeks an office, honor, etc..

   a candidate for governor.

2. a person who is selected by others as a contestant for an office, honor, etc.

3. a person who is deserving of or seems destined for a certain end or fate.

   Such a reckless spender is a candidate for the poorhouse.

4. a student studying for a degree.

   Candidates for the B.A. will have to meet certain minimum requirements.

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verb (used without object)

candidated, candidating

1. to become a candidate for service as a new minister of a church; preach before a congregation that is seeking a new minister.

candidate British  

/ -dɪt, ˈkændɪdətʃə, ˈkændɪˌdeɪt, ˈkændɪdəsɪ /

noun

1. a person seeking or nominated for election to a position of authority or honour or selection for a job, promotion, etc

2. a person taking an examination or test

3. a person or thing regarded as suitable or likely for a particular fate or position

   this wine is a candidate for his cellar

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Usage

What does candidate mean? Candidate most commonly means someone who’s seeking to be elected, hired, or appointed to a position, especially a political office or job.The word candidate most commonly refers to a politician seeking election or a person who has applied for a job. But it can be used in several other ways to refer to someone or something under consideration for some kind of treatment or status.Example: We have more than 100 applicants, but almost none of them are qualified candidates for this job.

Other Word Forms

• candidacy noun
• precandidature noun

Etymology

Origin of candidate

First recorded in 1605–15, candidate is from the Latin word candidātus “clothed in white” (adective), “candidate for office” (noun, in reference to the white togas worn by those seeking office); candid, -ate ¹

Example Sentences

The party has been vetting candidates ahead of the Welsh Senedd election in May but has yet to announce who will be standing, its policies or its Welsh leader.

From BBC

Every candidate enters a contest with a backstory and a record, which is condensed to a summary that serves as calling card, strategic foundation and a rationale for their run.

From Los Angeles Times

Sunday's vote will select candidates ahead of a final round on April 26, with results due May 13.

From Barron's

Some receive requests for meetings from foreign embassy officials, PR companies or political activists advocating on behalf of a candidate.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 1960, Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kennedy was losing Black support.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• applicant
• aspirant
• bidder
• competitor
• contender
• contestant
• nominee
• successor