Candide

[ French kahn-deed ]

noun

1. a philosophical novel (1759) by Voltaire.

Candide

1. 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.”

Example Sentences

When I left, she was lying on the couch, paging through Candide, legs kicked up in the air.

From MIT Technology Review

Voltaire has lately published a small work called Candide, ou, l'Optimisme .

From Project Gutenberg

Let me close with a most brilliant name;—the last resource in the Candide of Voltaire is,—cultivate your garden.

From Project Gutenberg

He attacked unsuccessfully some of Voltaire's historical works, and even read Candide, with what emotions we are not told.

From Project Gutenberg

Candide thereupon sent a messenger to Signor Pococurant desiring permission to wait on him the next day.

From Project Gutenberg

The prince turned sharply, but no one was to be seen; yet he recognised the voice as that of Fairy Candide.

From Project Gutenberg