Candide

[French kahn-deed]

noun

a philosophical novel (1759) by Voltaire.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for candide

Historical Examples of candide

The optimist of Candide was a Mallock in mourning compared to this.
Memoirs
Charles Godfrey Leland
For "Candide" is not only a clever book, a witty book, a wise book.
Suspended Judgments
John Cowper Powys
Candide opposed these sentiments, but he did it in a discreet manner.
Classic French Course in English
William Cleaver Wilkinson
In Candide, or the Optimist, there is an admirable stroke of Voltaire's.
Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 1 (of 3)
Isaac D'Israeli
Yes, and saw them burn the new edition of Monsieur Voltaire's Candide.
Historical Miniatures
August Strindberg

candide in Culture

Candide

[(kan-deed, kahnn-deed) (1759)]

A novel of satire by Voltaire, in which a long series of calamities happens to the title character, an extremely naive and innocent young man, and his teacher, Doctor Pangloss. Pangloss, who reflects the optimistic philosophy of Gottfried Wilhelm Leibnitz, nevertheless insists that, despite the calamities, “all is for the best in this best of all possible worlds.”