candid

American  

[kan-did] / ˈkæn dɪd /

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.

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noun

1. an unposed photograph.

candid British  

/ 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

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Related Words

See frank ¹.

Other Word Forms

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

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.

Example Sentences

Hastings became known for implementing a unique and controversial culture of radical transparency, where employee evaluations are brutally candid and average performances can be grounds for termination.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Give the candid Dimon high marks for honesty on the stock price—something rare among CEOs.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

The Declaration of Independence set out to meet “a candid world,” but America’s fight for true liberty was only beginning.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

At times their own desires and tastes take a backseat to the demands of others, and Nguyen also captures moments when candid feelings of frustration and ambivalence slip through.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Any candid observer of American racial history must acknowledge that racism is highly adaptable.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

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