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

Say this for Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s probable next mayor: At least the young socialist Democrat is candid about his intention to hike taxes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But unlike her film, which offers few easy answers, Garrett is delightfully candid.

Read more on Salon

He enjoyed talking to the press—candid, free spirited and cocky.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The actors who play the sisterhood of stylists in ‘Jaja’s African Hair Braiding’ sit down for a candid beauty-shop conversation in light of the show’s L.A. premiere at Center Theatre Group’s Mark Taper Forum.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Bellerin is candid about often being the "outsider" in football - a sport not typically associated with environmental activism.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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