candid
Americanadjective
-
frank; outspoken; open and sincere.
a candid critic.
- Synonyms:
- plain, straightforward, guileless, ingenuous
-
free from reservation, disguise, or subterfuge; straightforward.
a candid opinion.
-
a candid photo.
-
a candid mind.
-
Archaic. white.
-
Archaic. clear; pure.
noun
adjective
-
frank and outspoken
he was candid about his dislike of our friends
-
without partiality; unbiased
-
unposed or informal
a candid photograph
-
obsolete
-
white
-
clear or pure
-
Synonym Usage
See frank 1.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of candid
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
Explanation
Straightforward and truthful talk might be described with the adjective candid. If you're always candid, your parents will know that they can trust you. A serious-minded politician might suggest engaging in a "candid discussion" about a complicated topic like health care or the environment, because candid means "open" or "frank." Remember that TV show Candid Camera? It was called that because its hidden cameras supposedly showed a candid view of reality. In photography, candid has become a noun meaning "an unposed photo." The word comes from Latin candidus, meaning "white," which was later extended to mean "pure." Candid talk provides the pure, unvarnished truth.
Vocabulary lists containing candid
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The SAT: Words to Capture Tone, List 5
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The New SAT: Words to Capture Tone
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Besides, Madonna’s always been most candid behind the microphone.
From Salon • Jul. 8, 2026
Hilton opened up about the unique space in a candid 2025 interview with The Times, when she was asked all about her spending habits, her favorite fashion items, and her biggest regrets.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 24, 2026
It comes as the Bank's top officials have in recent months become increasingly candid in explaining the economic consequences of Brexit in speeches and interviews.
From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026
As more candidates use AI in job applications, some companies are quietly contacting past managers and co-workers to get a more candid assessment, writes Callum Borchers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 17, 2026
Annies aunt Catherine Darwin said of her that she was “always so candid and kind-hearted.”
From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
